The popular video game knowns to millions of loyal fans as “Guitar Hero” might actually be infringing on a 1999 technology patent.  According to Gibson Guitar, Inc. the popular game video game, which uses buttons on a guitar and a streaming video on a TV screen which allows the user to follow along is infringing on a previously held patent. 

According to PC Magazine, the “Guitar Hero” series has sold more than 14million units in North America and has grossed sales in excess of 1 billion dollars. 

 Activision Inc, the maker of the “Guitar Hero” series has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Central California seeking to declare Gibson’s 1999 patent invalid and therefor bar Gibson from seeking any damages.   

 http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2275820,00.asp

According to CBS News, the Gibson’s 1999 patent covers a “virtual-reality device that included a headset with speakers and that simulated participating in a concert”, according to a complaint. 

 http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/12/ap/hightech/main3933152.shtml