Saw YouTube algorithm kept pushing clickbait videos about Nintendo patents. So I’ll do this one more time and move on.
Take a look at Sony’s recent patent for on-screen controller overlay (image 1 below; published on Aug 7) and Bandai Namco’s patent for rap battle gameplay (image 2; published on Apr 28).
So do SIE own controller overlay and Bamco own rap battle now? Of course not—no more than Nintendo could own monster summoning.
Software patents contain carefully constructed claims, including method, system, and/or medium. Only cases substantially the same (“equivalents”) are infringements.
Disclaimer: I have personal experience working with lawyers on patent and trademark applications, and also have regular conversations with a family member who’s a retired law professor. So I know just enough to explain things to a lay audience, but am not an attorney myself. When in doubt, I encourage everyone to read the original patent publication themselves. It is the best source.
Previous post regarding patent misinformation here.
[Originally posted on 2025-09-17 Pacific Time]
