http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
First, listing a prior patent in another patent doesn't mean you own it. It just means that its an earlier patent that has some relation to your patent application. Midway still owns the rights to the Goschy patent. You can check it out at www.uspto.gov, under Products -> All about assignments. Its very unlikely that Nintendo would get this patent and not get it listed there.

Second, the US follows a "first to invent" rule. This means that if you have the patent, you invented it first. If someone filed for the patent before you did but you can prove you invented it first, you get the patent (assuming you challenge them for it).

Third, it takes very little to get a patent if its an improvement over what was done before. There are certain requirements you have to meet, but you don't have to have something totally new and unheard of to get a patent for it. So the fact that the Wii operates similarly to what he described doesn't mean that they don't deserve a patent for what they made. I'm not saying they should get a patent, but that you can't judge based on superficial similarities.

Lastly, its very common for companies to make you give them the rights to anything you invent while you're working for them. So if this guy got the shaft, there are millions of others getting the shaft every day.]]>Feb 14th 2008 5:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 14th 2008 11:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Miyamoto and the rest of Nintendo probably figured this out just as much on their own, and then said: "damn, if we want to do this, we'll need to check and make sure patents aren't going to be an issue. Yo snake, go sneak that shit"
and so they checked the patents out and found that some guy they had never heard of had done patents for this, so they bought them so that they could actually do something useful with it, like add a pointer and a few more buttons to it and design an entire system around them to make sure it got supported with good games so that it actually became a success.

I'll give him credit where credit is due. He possibly was the first to make a real world demo of how this could be done, but to say that he was the ONLY one to come up with this idea on his own is ridiculous. He could probably get a decent job if he could officially put that on a resume, heck, maybe nintendo might be willing to hire.
The fact that he's not suing is really the only thing that makes this credible to me though.]]>Jan 15th 2008 12:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
OK I get it you are a Nintendo fanboy and think that all great ideas come from Nintendo, but to make something up as if you have a clue and then post it here is annoying. Go crap in your hat!!!]]>Jan 15th 2008 7:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/mm, his assumption is alogical one.
Stop being one of those 'stick it to the man' people.

Yes he may have come up with the idea ages ago, but everyone and their mother have at on point said, it would be cool if I could do this in real life.
We've had virtual reality games, hell nintendo had the virtualboy.

The fact that this man made a working version is admirable, but to say that nintendo ripped it off is just an assumption. Who says they didn't have the idea as well and simply bought the patents.

Thats not to say that they didn't rip off the idea either, but the fact that he created the original version and had patents for it doesn't prove anything about the origins of the idea of the wii.

So let me sink to your level and say:
So go screw yourself]]>Jan 15th 2008 8:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 8:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 9:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Everybody who has ever existed is a douche bag. ]]>Jan 15th 2008 10:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Sure it's possible Nintento came up with the idea completely on their own. I would imagine the Wiimote itself is probably their own idea, but I wouldn't be suprised if this guy was the inspiration for the nunchuck combo.]]>Jan 15th 2008 10:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 12:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
ofc it's sad that he's in a hard place now and hopefully it'll get better now]]>Jan 15th 2008 7:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 9:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Yes it sucks that he didn't do this in his spare time and reap the rewards, but as Holger said, I'm sure Midway paid to patent the technology and allowed him to experiment during office hours.

He wasn't exploited by The Man.]]>Jan 15th 2008 11:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 11:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 11:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 12:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 1:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
I don't even want to get into the costs of litigation, but lets start at upper 6 digits in cost. Or you can hire a law firm on contingency, in which case you get to fork over 40-50% of what you potentially could win in court.

But yeah... if you have a good idea and a bank won't lend you the dough, maybe you should just borrow all that from your friends and family... good luck paying it back if your patent gets busted tho... ]]>Jan 15th 2008 2:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 3:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
You certainly can try and get a cheap patent, but you get what you pay for. You certainly can try and enforce it yourself, but the risk is very high (Look up "Declaratory Judgement." They can cost hundreds of thousands, if not more, to defend). If you have an idea and you work for a company like Midway, you get paid for your work (in fact that's what they pay you to do), you get your name on the patent, and it is risk free. Sure there are other more profitable ways to cash in on your idea... venture capital... bury yourself in debt and get the patent yourself and try and sell it... whatever...

But he knew what he was getting into when he started working for Midway. This really is a very standard and common arrangement between inventors and their employers. He isn't getting fleeced if he knows every detail of the arrangement he had with Midway. In fact, I'm not under the impression that he feels like Midway screwed him... he just wants his 15 minutes.]]>Jan 15th 2008 4:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 7:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Back in 1989, the U-Force came out on NES. It was made by broaderbund. In 1989. It had motion sensing. Also, what about Eye toy. It also uses motion sensing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-Force]]>Jan 15th 2008 8:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 8:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
How is that not motion sensing?]]>Jan 15th 2008 8:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 11:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 10:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 8:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
The guy claims he holds the patent, threatens to take Nintendo to court. Probably discusses with some lawyers who then point out that he doesn't really hold the patents. Midway does and sold to Nintendo. So he changes his mind to seek 'acknowledgment'

Nintendo, most likely, has a patent research branch. When they first implemented the idea, they went out and searched to see what could bite them in the ass... This being one of them, hence why they purchased the patent. This does not insinuate that they did or did not use any ideas or parts that related to this previous patent.
Hell, I'm sure they already had their proto mocked up prior to purchase.]]>Jan 15th 2008 8:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/

Sources indicate that development of the Wii Remote began in or around 2001, coinciding with development of the Wii console. In that year, Nintendo licensed a number of motion-sensing patents from Gyration Inc., a company that produces wireless motion-sensing computer mice.[4] Nintendo then commissioned Gyration Inc. to create a one-handed controller for it,[4] which eventually developed the "'Gyropod' concept", a more traditional gamepad which allowed its right half to break away for motion-control.]]>Jan 15th 2008 8:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 8:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
No person in this thread insinuated Nintendo inventing anything. I was just asserting my beliefs that they, in fact, have not invented the technology that many people presently believe they did invent. Yes, non-geeks are big kool-aid drinkers.]]>Jan 15th 2008 9:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 9:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Good source of information...
http://www.x-arcade.com/newsletter/Wii%20Dupe.shtml]]>Jan 15th 2008 9:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
...but this guy doesn't wear pants. That's the difference. Everyone is completely missing the point.]]>Jan 15th 2008 9:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/

]]>Jan 15th 2008 9:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Really, someone tell me what I'm missing about this story that is making everyone sympathize with this loser. It seems to me that he invented something for someone else and now he wants a piece of the Wii pie and is being a bleeding-heart crybaby about it. "Can't afford a Wii"? Give me a break. Stop whining on the internet and get a job, then.]]>Jan 15th 2008 9:51AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
He's just saying that he invented it, and he did.

Typical emo Internet comment. You're hurting teh Net tubes.]]>Jan 15th 2008 10:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 10:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Of course not. That is the way the world works. What is your point exactly?

It still doesn't explain to me why this guy deserves anything. He designed something for a company, presumably knowing full well what that implied, and now is trying to say he deserves something more for it just because it's turned into something successful. He doesn't deserve anything more than he's already been paid by Midway for his work.]]>Jan 15th 2008 11:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
I'm pretty sure he wasn't asking for anything. If you even read the post he just wants recognition that he did something very similar to what the Wiimote is doing now. So before you go trying to bash the guy simply grab your foot and stuff it into your mouth. I can understand getting on him if he was trying to pursue monetary compensation from this...but he isn't.]]>Jan 15th 2008 6:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
You say he isn't asking for anything and then in the very next sentence you explain to me what he is asking for.

Recognition for what? He was an employee of a company and did this work FOR THEM. IF anyone has a right to complain about "recognition", it's Midway and then only marginally seeing as they sold Nintendo the patents fair and square. Not to mention that the Wiimote is lightyears ahead of what this guy's device did.

When Apple releases a new device, do we expect to personally pat the engineer on the back that designed it? When BMW shows off its latest car, is there somebody up in arms because they didn't get individually recognized?]]>Jan 15th 2008 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 10:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/He designed a primitive motion control system to work on the most legendary console evar

Nintendo used that and made something even better. Everyone gets credit.
The guy did get the shaft in the end... Amazing ideas should have made it for him, but he's dinkin around doing consulting work gettin paid jack.
I can understand how he wants a tiny bit of recognition for his invention. He's not gettin much else from it. If I had the funds, i'd buy him a Wii and thank him for his contribution towards the evolution of gaming.]]>Jan 15th 2008 11:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 11:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 4:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 4:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 15th 2008 8:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/
Just because you have the skills and money to design and patent something doesnt mean that youre the first to come up with the idea, it just means youre the first to patent it.


]]>Jan 15th 2008 10:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 16th 2008 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/exclusive-shots-of-goschys-prototype-wiimote-controllers/Jan 17th 2008 1:37PM