The Nintendo 64 and Intellectual Property
Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Super Smash Bros., and countless other video games are all some of the most memorable titles for the Nintendo 64 (“N64”). While most gaming platforms were transitioning over to using CDs, the N64 still used cartridges. But that didn’t make it any less competitive in the gaming market. As a matter of fact, the N64 is probably one of the most popular gaming systems ever to be released.
Intellectual Property Protection
Just like any other product, gaming systems are a product that a company can sell. But like any other product, it can be copied and appropriated. To ensure that they can recoup the losses incurred from creating the gaming system itself, companies usually try and protect them with various forms of intellectual property. So let’s take a look at some of the intellectual property protection covering the N64.
Patent protection
Patents are probably one of the strongest forms of intellectual property protection available for an invention. Patents allow the patent owner to stop others from making, using, selling, offering for sale, or importing into the United States a device covered by the patent. Additionally, there are various types of patents such as utility patents, design patents, and even plant patents! Different types of patents will protect different things. For example, design patents will protect ornamental aspects of something while utility patents will cover an invention. There are several types of patents that cover the N64 system. Let’s take a look at them.
The Nintendo 64 System
The N64 gaming console itself is distinguishable by its unique shape. The squarish gaming system has a unique design that will forever leave a lasting impression on anyone who has owned one. The system itself is covered by a design patent, which is USD 379, 832 and titled “Gaming machine.” Preventing others from making a gaming system that would look identical to the N64 would be very useful for recouping losses and protecting company assets.
To read the entire design patent on the N64 gaming system, click here.
The N64 Gaming Cartridge
The N64 cartridge was bulky yet durable. You also had to blow on it until it worked time to time. The N64 cartridge is also covered by a design patent, which is USD 376,795 and titled “Game cartridge.” If we were ever to see one lying around somewhere in a store, we’d probably recognize it immediately due to its memorable design and shape.
To read the entire design patent on the N64 game cartridge, click here.
The N64 Controller
Ah yes, the controller for the N64. It was awkward to use at first and a bit strange to look at. But nonetheless, it performed pretty well for most of the games (emphasis on most). Nintendo took a new step forward with this controller, providing players with 3 places to hold. This unique design will leave a lasting impression on any who played the N64 (mostly due to the fact that no one really knew how to hold it when they first used one). The controller is also covered by a design patent USD 376,826 and titled “Controller for game machine.”
To read the entire design patent on the N64 controller, click here.
Other forms of intellectual property protection
The system, controller, and gaming cartridge are not the only the memorable things that are protected by intellectual property. The words “NINTENDO 64” is a protected trademark that Nintendo owns. The serial number for the mark “NINTENDO 64” is “75688943.” Moreover, certain games for the N64 may be eligible for copyright protection.
What are your thoughts on the intellectual property covering the Nintendo 64? Leave a comment below to let us know what you think!
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Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. It is only for educational or entertainment purposes only. Please do not use the article or contents of the article without permission. For legal advice and questions, please contact registered Patent Attorney Vincent LoTempio.
