Report: Teledildonics Patent Troll Drops Suit Against Kickstarter

Report: Teledildonics Patent Troll Drops Suit Against Kickstarter

LOS ANGELES — As the race towards our virtual future escalates, a variety of players are attempting to get in on the act — including a rebuffed patent troll that after targeting a handful of smaller companies, decided to go after the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform.

The patent troll, TZU Technologies, reportedly filed six lawsuits in June, claiming infringement of its intellectual property, patent number 6,368,268.

The TZU claim is based on a 2002 patent issued to HasSex president Warren Sandvick, for a “stimulation system” that could be remotely controlled from another location — broadly encompassing the entire realm of teledildonics.

Among the targeted firms, Kickstarter (which could become embroiled in countless such nuisance suits) not only refused to pay, but also refused to keep quiet about TZU’s settlement terms — terms that were not offered to the other litigants, where the TZU suit remains active.

“This is a standard patent troll suit, the kind that, unfortunately, we have faced in the past,” Kickstarter general counsel Michal Rosenn told Ars, adding that the company is “fortunate to be in a position where we can afford to take these suits to court.”

Apparently the Cotman IP group, which represents TZU dropped the lawsuit against Kickstarter when it learned that the company was determined to fight it in court — something that TZU’s previous targets, such as Amsterdam-based startup Holland Haptics, with its new Frebble device, were unable to do.

Rosenn says that patent trolls are a huge problem, especially for cash-strapped startups.

“It’s exactly small businesses that are most vulnerable, because most can’t afford to litigate,” Rosenn explains. “Many businesses get liquidated because of patent trolls.”

For its part, Kickstarter has proactively lobbied Congress to push for patent reform.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Skinfluential Management's FansFuel Acquires Fanwire

FansFuel has acquired creator account management tool Fanwire.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

AEBN Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Adult Entertainment Broadcast Network (AEBN) is celebrating its 25th year in business this week.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

FSC, Co-Plaintiffs to Ask US Supreme Court to Review Constitutionality of Texas Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and its co-plaintiffs in the challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law have petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay its recent decision upholding the law, because they intend to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law’s constitutionality.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Show More