American technology company and patent litigator
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
- In 1993, Immersion was founded by Louis Rosenberg, who served as its chief executive officer until 2000.[2]
- In 1997, Immersion worked with Microsoft to integrate their Immersion's TouchSense technology into Microsoft's DirectInput API for DirectX 5.0.[6] Microsoft and Immersion continued to work together on DirectX 6 and 7,[7] and signed an agreement in 1999 to share each other's "feel simulation technology".[8]
- In March 1999, the company acquired Cybernet Haptic Systems and its haptic patent portfolio from Cybernet Systems Corporation for stock and cash.
- In November 1999, the company went public. Shares were offered at $12.00.[9]
- In March 2000, Immersion acquired Haptic Technologies for $7 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
- In March 2000, Immersion acquired Immersion Medical for an undisclosed amount, gaining their patent portfolio.
- In September 2000, Immersion acquired Virtual Technologies for $1 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
- By 2014, Immersion Corporation gained over 1,650 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries in the haptic field. [10]
- February 2016: Immersion claims Apple has infringed two patents on the iPhone 6s and new Apple Watch. The CEO of Immersion is seeking compensation from Apple and an injunction on US sales.[11]
- January 2017: Immersion has a multi-year partnership with Nintendo to use its haptic technology on the Nintendo Switch.[12]
Litigation
Sony and Microsoft
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
In May 2022, Immersion sued Meta Platforms for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.[15]
Valve
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]
US$35.1 million (2021)