Immersion Corporation
 | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| |
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Louis Rosenberg |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Key people | Francis Jose (CEO & general counsel) |
| Revenue |  US$35.1 million (2021) |
Number of employees | 14 (2023) |
| Website | immersion |
| Footnotes / references [1] | |
Immersion Corporation is an Aventura, Florida based developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, also known as haptic technology. Immersion Corporation has been accused of being a patent troll.[2][3][4] Founded in 1993 by Louis Rosenberg, it is currently headed by lawyer Francis Jose, who serves as both chief executive officer and general counsel.[5]
History
[edit]Immersion Corporation was founded in 1993 by Louis Rosenberg, who served as CEO until 2000.[2] The company emerged as a pioneer in haptic technology, which simulates tactile feedback through vibrations or forces. In 1997, Immersion partnered with Microsoft to integrate its TouchSense technology into the DirectInput API for DirectX 5.0, enhancing force feedback capabilities for gaming and input devices.[6] Collaboration between the two companies continued with DirectX 6 and 7, and in 1999, they signed an agreement to share "feel simulation technology," further embedding Immersion’s innovations into Microsoft’s platforms.[7][8]
In March 1999, the company acquired Cybernet Haptic Systems from Cybernet Systems Corporation, bolstering its patent portfolio through a combination of stock and cash. Later that year, in November, Immersion became a publicly traded company, debuting on the Nasdaq at $12.00 per share. In 2000 were three key acquisitions: Haptic Technologies ($7 million) and Immersion Medical (undisclosed amount) in March, followed by Virtual Technologies ($1 million) in September.[9]
By 2014, the company had amassed over 1,650 issued or pending patents worldwide related to haptic technology.[10] In February 2016, it accused Apple of infringing two patents in the iPhone 6s and Apple Watch, with CEO Victor Viegas seeking damages and a U.S. sales injunction.[11] In January 2017, Immersion entered a multi-year licensing agreement with Nintendo, enabling the use of its haptic technology in the Nintendo Switch’s HD Rumble feature.[12]
Litigation
[edit]Sony and Microsoft
[edit]In 2002, Immersion filed a suit against Microsoft and Sony alleging that their game console controllers were infringing on two of Immersion's patents, which were extensions of US Patent 6,088,017, itself filed 1998 by Virtual Technologies Inc which Immersion later acquired.;[13] both defendants eventually reached agreements with Immersion that involved multimillion-dollar payments.[14]
Meta Platforms
[edit]In May 2022, Immersion sued Meta Platforms for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.[15]
Valve
[edit]In May 2023, Immersion sued Valve Corporation for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their Steam Deck and Valve Index gaming hardware.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ "Immersion Corp. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. February 25, 2022.
- ^ a b Baxter, Brian (September 2, 2021). "Immersion Elevates Legal Head to CEO amid Patent Battles". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
- ^ Gross, Kyle (2009). "Game On: The Rising Prevalence of Patent-Related Issues in the Video Game Industry". SMU Science and Technology Law Review. 12 (3): 259–260, 267. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
- ^ "Apple Sued by Immersion for Allegedly Infringing Haptic Feedback Patents Used in 3D Touch". Tech Times. February 12, 2016.
- ^ "About". Immersion. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
- ^ "Immersion - FAQ - Developer". Immersion.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
- ^ "Companies Redouble Efforts to Deliver Consistent Support, Compatibility Across Wide Range of Products". Microsoft PressPass. February 3, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
- ^ "Microsoft and Immersion Collaborate To Advance Feel-Simulation Technologies". Microsoft PressPass. August 5, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
- ^ "IMMERSION CORP (IMMR) IPO". NASDAQ.com. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
- ^ "Immersion Corporation's IP Value as an Acquisition Target (NASDAQ:IMMR) | Seeking Alpha". July 29, 2014.
- ^ Mundy, Jon (February 12, 2016). "Apple being sued for familiar vibrations". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
Apple is facing legal action from haptic feedback technology company Immersion.
- ^ Dornbrush, Jonathan (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Technology Powered By Immersion Corporation". IGN. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
- ^ "Immersion Corporation - Corporate: Patents". Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
- ^ Elinson, Zusha (October 13, 2008). "Former GC Reflects on Time Immersed in IP Battles". The Recorder. San Francisco: ALM. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
Observers say Immersion's era of aggressive litigation and licensing was a success. In defending its patents on 'haptic' technology for applying touch sensation and control to computer programs, the company beat Sony, got money out of Microsoft, and has signed up medical, car and cell phone companies for patent licenses.
- ^ Rosenblatt, Joel (May 27, 2022). "Meta Copied VR Technology Key to Metaverse Gaming, Immersion Claims - BNN Bloomberg". BNN. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
- ^ Hollister, Sean (May 16, 2023). "Valve just got sued by Immersion over Steam Deck and Index rumble". The Verge. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
External links
[edit]
 | This article about an IT-related or software-related company or corporation is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 | This article about a technological corporation or company is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |