A patent infringement case for the patent, "Method and Apparatus for Spherical Planning," is now pending. The case could have enormous implications and could affect nearly every 3-D video game ever made. Put on your 3-D glasses and read all about it.

http://www.flexbeta.net/main/comments.php?catid=6&shownews=10157

Mathmatical techniques are not copyrightable.

I don't think its the math, its the "idea" or doing things in 3D. I won't be surpised if they win, our legal system is so screwed up.

My biggest problem is this, next gen consoles (or 3D consoles) have been around since '94. How is it possible that you didn't know about them. This is clearly a case of "Ok, lets wait for them to get big, then sue them cause we want more money."

True, mathematical techniques are not copyrightable. But they can, and often are, patented. As these techniques are often in obscure areas - such as 3D rendering - the generialist (and overworked) clerks who approave patents are often unaware if a technique would be obvious to someone in the relivent field and do not have time or resources to become familiar with the subject. Thus, lots of bad patents get through. And patent cases are extremally expensive to fight, even for obviously trivial or unorigional patents.

"Method and Apparatus for Spherical Planning"

or...

How to wear a jock strap.

Greed, one of the seven deadly sins.