Uniloc Has Minecraft in it's Sights

Ever heard of Uniloc? Me neither. But I have heard of Minecraft, and so has Uniloc, making the game's developer Mojang and several other game developers the targets of a recent lawsuit over patent infringement.

The Luxembourg based company has named Minecraft's creator Markus Persson in a lawsuit, alleging that Persson's Android version of "Mindcraft" (no, you read that right) uses, "a system and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data [covering] executable computer code on an electronic device to prevent unauthorized access to electronic data stored on the electronic device."

Other developers named in the suit include Electronic Arts, Square Enix, Gameloft, and others. While these companies have yet to response, "Notch," ever the tweeter he is, was quick to voice his opinion and strategy, saying, "Software patents are plain evil. Innovation within software is basically free, and it's growing incredibly rapid. Patents only slow it down...Unfortunately for them, they're suing us over a software patent. If needed, I will throw piles of money at making sure they don't get a cent."

According to Uniloc's filing, they're seeking a full trial jury for the suit, as well as compensatory damages, costs, and royalty fees. I can't admit to knowing anything about the jury selection process for courts in Luxembourg, where I assume the trial would take place, (as according to wikipedia, Sweden has no tradition of using juries in most types of criminal or civil trial) but if the jury selection process is anything like it is in American courts, they may have some difficulty finding an unbiased jury. Minecraft players number over 35 million world wide, a number that grows every day.

Notch may be ready to throw money at the case, but Uniloc has a history of being patient, waging an eight year battle with Microsoft over, what else, patent infringement.

Best of luck Notch.