To Eric Clapton, BB King, and other guitar heroes of my generation, Gibson guitars are certainly celebrities - so I think I can just about get away with this one!

Gibson Guitar announced yesterday that it had filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Viacom Inc's MTV networks and Harmonix, as well as Electronic Arts, about the "Guitar Hero" video games. These stunningly popular games allow, nay encourage, those air guitarists among us. You are provided with a plastic guitar shaped thingie, which you play in time to the notes on the television screen. Just in case you're interested, my rendition of the old Bon Jovi number, Sweet Child of Mine has to be seen to be believed.

I digress.

Gibson said the games violate a 1999 patent for technology to simulate a musical performance. Harmonix developed the first "Guitar Hero" game and was later bought by MTV. Electronic Arts and another company, Activision Inc, as well as several retailers, either develop, distribute or sell one or several of the games in the "Guitar Hero" series.

Harmonix have given a metaphorical finger to Gibson by saying, 'This lawsuit is completely without merit and we intend to defend it vigorously.' EA have declined to comment.

Activision licensed the rights to model its video controllers on Gibson guitar models and to use their likenesses in the game. The company has said that by waiting three years to raise its claim, Gibson had granted an implied license for any technology.

Reuters