NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gibson Guitar Corp. is widening its attack on the video game industry with a federal lawsuit claiming that Harmonix, MTV Networks and Electronic Arts are violating a patent the guitar maker holds.
The new case, filed Thursday, in Nashville relates to the same virtual-reality patent involved in the lawsuit Gibson filed earlier this week against six major retailers that sell the Activision Inc. "Guitar Hero" game.
Gibson has tried to stop video game publisher Activision from selling all versions of the game, claiming it too closely matches a device Gibson patented in 1999.
This time, Gibson says it is by developing, promoting and distributing "Rock Band" that Harmonix, MTV Networks and Electronic Arts are infringing on the patent.
Harmonix also created and developed some of the "Guitar Hero" games.
Representatives with the three companies did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment on Friday.
