RedOctane rocks the courthouse
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Sep 20th 2006 at 6:25PM }
In a spectacular display of canine cannibalism, RedOctane and its new parent company, Activision, last month set their army of attack lawyers on a company called "The Ant Commandos". Much like the RedOctane that existed before the Guitar Hero franchise became mildly popular, the latter company produces unlicensed, musically inclined controllers. These include bongo drums, guitars (wireless versions, natch), dance pads and a weird "Soccer Arena" mat which isn't really musical but will likely tie your legs into a knot just the same.According to the Gamespot report, RedOctane and Activision feel that TAC's guitar controllers are guilty of "unfair competition, trademark infringement, copyright infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, false advertising, unjust enrichment and more." One can only assume that the "more" part involves some sort of violence against defenseless puppies. Along with the similar packaging and advertising, even the quality of TAC's product is called into question. The lawyers argue that TAC's claim of 100% compatibility with Guitar Hero is false, as the tilt function necessary to activate Star Power is apparently not very consistent in their line of guitars.
Getting sued for printing a lie is one thing, but to be dragged in front of a judge indirectly because your product might be a bit rubbish? Now that's music to our ears.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seifer @ Sep 20th 2006 6:34PM
Pot, kettle. Kettle, pot.
Mr_Snuffle @ Sep 20th 2006 6:49PM
It's true that the star power activation is garbage, and the placement of the strap studs is friggin' stupid, but they did get the start and select buttons right. I never accidently hit start/pause on the shredder.
HallwayGiant @ Sep 20th 2006 7:03PM
...Objection!
AoE @ Sep 20th 2006 7:12PM
Screw activision/red octane; the wireless guitar is so much better than the wired "official" controller... Looks like I'm not buying any GH sequels, I'd hate to help fund a lawsuit like this one...
If anyone from activision/red octane is reading, please understand that you've lost at least one fan thanks to your greed.
All Your Lost Socks @ Sep 20th 2006 7:31PM
Uh, I don't know how you managed that on the regular controller, Mr_Snuffle. They are way out of the way. If you keep the wammy bar nestled in the crook of your hand while you strum, you can easily press in on it in between strumming instead of having to reach for it. o.O;
I hadn't even heard of these guys, but it's kind of asinine for a company to completely jump on the ass of another company that makes similar products. At least they were giving compatibility notes for Guitar Hero - that's acknowledgement that they don't think they are the only fish in the sea, right?
geehal @ Sep 20th 2006 7:33PM
Redoctane had trouble keeping the damn things in stock and charge an excessive $40 for an extra one. 3rd parties were doing them a favor.
Mr_Snuffle @ Sep 20th 2006 7:44PM
@ All Your Lost Socks
Most everyone I know that's played it has hit them at some point, so I don't think it's just me. Your style of play it might not be an issue, but it seems to be pretty common with other people. It was the only improvement the shredder made.
WhaleMenace @ Sep 20th 2006 8:10PM
OK,
I bought a TAC controller a few days ago, and I thought to myself, "I wonder if they are going to get sued for this, its OBVIOUSLY made for guitar Hero." And what do you know... SUED.
The are likely infringing on something here, but the quality is not an issue. The buttons feel different and the whammy bar is a bit more loose. Also, the strap is much nicer and actually works for Lefty's (though it does have a tendency to fall off more than the original). But ultimatley these are minor things, the main difference is you dont have a chord attached to you and they have a heavier nicer feel to them. Bravo TAC.
RO should have just had guitar hero 2 come with a newer cooler guitar, or alternatively released a special edition one, and there wouldn't be an issue. Guitar Hero is fun, so I'll buy it.
CheapyD @ Sep 20th 2006 9:21PM
"as the tilt function necessary to activate Star Power is apparently not very consistent in their line of guitars."
It's not very consistent in my Red Octane guitar either.
dsub @ Sep 20th 2006 8:48PM
this company manufactures a wireless guitar controller for Guitar Hero, they have several of then at my local EB. Besides them stamping "compatible with guitar hero" on the box I really don't see what case Red Octane and activision have. Unless they've patented the guitar controller, they have no case. Besides, by their standards Konami could be suing the shit out of them right now, because they released Guitar Freaks for PS2 and in the Arcades WAY before Guitar Hero was even thought up.
magicchicken @ Sep 20th 2006 10:20PM
On both of my official guitars the wammy bar lost it's springy-ness, and there's no tilt in one of them. The dog also chewed the cable but electrical tape fixed that. More choices == better quality overall, so I don't see what they're bitchin about and why they're so scared to compete. dsub's all over the truth man.
Rawnblade @ Sep 20th 2006 10:22PM
I found and bought one of those just this weekend, the backlit strum bar is what got me. =P
Only problem apart from the strap that I had with it were the raised fret buttons, can't slide on those. I'm having my buddy lower em for me. Otherwise, it's a fun new toy for any future Shredfests. The wireless thing ain't so bad either. As of right now, I still like the SG that came with the game more.
Nill @ Sep 21st 2006 2:12AM
Time to boycott RedOctane I guess.
Just like the music biz, all it takes is a taste of fame and the sellouts start acting like pompous assholes.
Steve @ Sep 21st 2006 11:54AM
I bought a guitar because of this story.
Neko Ewen @ Sep 21st 2006 6:59AM
RedOctane, as in the guys who make generic DDR pads and even a blatant clone of said game (In The Groove)?
They were so cool.
I'm still gonna buy Guitar Hero II though.
greatn @ Sep 21st 2006 9:28AM
I wouldn't blame Red Octane. They seem cool. It's almost certainly parent company Activision behind this, because everyone knows Activision are dicks.
cynic79 @ Sep 21st 2006 10:25AM
It doesn't seem that the main component of this case is the quality of the controller or the fact that it exists, but that the company has illegally used trademarked and copyrighted material on their packaging.
From the Gamespot story:
"Specifically, Defendants have copied the packaging of Plaintiffs' products and have used Plaintiffs' trademarks and copyrighted material in its packaging and advertising of its own products in an effort to cause confusion among consumers," the suit reads.
Liquidize @ Sep 21st 2006 11:30AM
I think this is just a matter of RedOctane trying to push competition out. There's very few differences in what them and the third party here have done that is so different from all the 'official' game controllers. Most of the time the third party controllers break easily; it doesn't matter if it's for GH or the NES or the PS2.
Lets face it though, there are plenty of times where you're in a crunch and need something cheap. I bet this case gets tossed out.
GoPodular @ Sep 21st 2006 1:01PM
I didn't even know about this company, activision might have screwed up by putting them in the spotlight.
Maybe I should make some.
Pseudo99 @ Sep 21st 2006 4:27PM
TAC rules. I had a defective guitar at first, but with a quick return and exchange, I'm lovin' my wireless guitar. As for the loose strap issue, after putting the strap on, wind a small rubber band tightly. Not noticeable, and works 100%.
Star Power activation is better, requires less effort IMO on TAC guitars.
By the way, since I've seen at least one of you Red Octane guys post on the Joystiq comments, tell your parent company that they're #$%&ing up both of your reputations with this lawsuit nonsense.
Redoctane gets their start by making improved third party peripherals.....TAC gets their start by improving Red Octane's peripherals....pwned.