Edutainment war ends, LeapFrog's lawsuit dismissed

LeapFrog's patent lawsuit against Mattel over their Fisher-Price line of PowerTouch talking books was dismissed by a Delaware court today. LeapFrog cried foul in October 2003, noting the similarities of Fisher-Price's edutainment titles to their own successful line, but the judge didn't see it that way. Both parties seemed amicable after the trial, with Mattel stating they have deep respect of intellectual property rights, since they do have a few of their own. LeapFrog head Tom Kalinske merely stated the obvious: “Technology-based patent litigation is very complex and challenging. Nonetheless, we will continue to defend our intellectual property rights in the future.” Couldn't have said it better ourselves.

[Yuri Walkiw @ Mar 31st 2006 3:59PM]

That thing owns all the laptops on the market today. It's like the ultimate blend of laptop and tablet, with a sweet touchscreen and voice capabilities. Where can I get my hands on one of these.

[Michael @ Mar 31st 2006 4:34PM]

First Post and...
Leap Pad rocks. Their office is nice too.

[Mark @ Mar 31st 2006 4:48PM]

The leappad is a great educational tool for kids, but it's lawsuits like this that keep the price of the add-ons so flaming expensive. But then again I guess what price do you put on a childs development?

[Anthony @ Mar 31st 2006 4:56PM]

I'm so glad that Fisher-Price will continue to give parents a choice when avoiding their duties by never reading or interacting with their children. What a relief!

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/13408834.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

[Timmy B @ Apr 1st 2006 2:31PM]

Kalinske? Wasn't he formerly a Sega of America exec?

[StephA @ Jul 25th 2006 12:02PM]

He was running Sega US during the Megadrive or Dreamcast days, I believe. The higher they fall and all that ;-)