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{{Short description|American technology company and patent litigator}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Immersion Corporation
| name = Immersion Corporation
| native_name = <!-- Company's name in home country language -->
| native_name_lang = <!-- Use ISO 639-2 code, e.g. "fr" for French. If there is more than one native name, in different languages, enter those names using {{tl|lang}}, instead. -->
| trading_name = <!-- d/b/a/, doing business as - if different from legal name above -->
| trading_name = <!-- d/b/a/, doing business as - if different from legal name above -->
| logo = Immersion Logo.png
| logo = Immersion Logo.png
| type =
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|IMMR}}<br>[[Russell 2000 Index|Russell 2000 Component]]
| traded_as = {{ubl |class=nowrap | {{NASDAQ|IMMR}} | [[Russell 2000]] component}}
| predecessor =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| successor =
| founder = [[Louis Rosenberg (writer)|Louis Rosenberg]]
| founder = [[Louis Barry Rosenberg (scientist)|Louis Rosenberg]]
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| fate =
| fate =
| area_served =
| area_served =
| key_people =
| key_people = Francis Jose<br />([[chief executive officer|CEO]] & [[general counsel]])
| industry = Technology
| industry = Technology
| genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies -->
| products =
| products =
| production =
| production =
| services =
| services =
| revenue = {{increase}} $111 M
| revenue = {{increase}} {{US$|35.1 million|link=yes}} (2021)
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| net_income =
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| equity =
| equity =
| owner =
| owner =
| num_employees = 64 (2018)
| num_employees = 26 (2021)
| parent =
| parent =
| divisions =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| subsid =
| footnotes =
| intl =
| intl =
| caption =
| caption =
| romanized =
| romanized =
| former type =
| former type =
| foundation = 1993
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1993}}
| location_city = [[San Jose, California]]
| location_city = [[Aventura, Florida]]
| location_country = [[United States of America]]
| location_country = U.S.
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. -->
| locations = <!-- Number of locations, stores, offices &c. -->
| homepage = {{URL|www.immersion.com}}
| homepage = {{official URL}}
| footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1058811/000162828022004000/immr-20211231.htm |title=Immersion Corp. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K) |date=February 25, 2022 |publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]}}</ref>
| bodystyle =
}}
}}
'''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]].<ref name="Baxter 2021">{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Brian |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Immersion Elevates Legal Head to CEO amid Patent Battles |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/immersion-elevates-legal-head-to-ceo-after-waging-patent-battles |work=Bloomberg Law |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Gross |first=Kyle |year=2009 |title=Game On: The Rising Prevalence of Patent-Related Issues in the Video Game Industry |url=https://scholar.smu.edu/scitech/vol12/iss3/5 |journal=SMU Science and Technology Law Review |volume=12 |issue=3 |pages=259–260, 267 |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/133074/20160212/apple-sued-by-immersion-for-allegedly-infringing-haptic-feedback-patents-used-in-3d-touch.htm | title = Apple Sued by Immersion for Allegedly Infringing Haptic Feedback Patents Used in 3D Touch | work=Tech Times | date=February 12, 2016}}</ref> Founded in 1993 by [[Louis Barry Rosenberg (scientist)|Louis Rosenberg]], it is currently headed by lawyer Francis Jose, who serves as both [[chief executive officer]] and [[general counsel]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=https://www.immersion.com/about/ |publisher=Immersion |access-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref>
'''Immersion Corporation''' of [[San Jose, California]], is a developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, also known as [[haptic technology]]. It was founded in 1993 by [[Louis Rosenberg (writer)|Louis Rosenberg]].

Immersion's technology is used in digital technology in mobile devices, automotive touchscreen and touchpads, medical training equipment, gaming consoles and other consumer electronics. According to the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] and Immersion's website, Immersion's [[patent portfolio]] includes over 3,200 issued or pending [[patents]]<ref>{{Cite web|title = Immersion Corporation – Haptics for the Digital User Experience|url = https://www.immersion.com/legal/#patents|website = www.immersion.com|accessdate = 2015-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = United States Patent & Trademark Office Assignment Database|url = https://assignment.uspto.gov/patent/index.html#/patent/search/result?id=immersion%20corporation&type=patAssigneeName|website = www.uspto.gov|accessdate = 2018-11-16}}</ref> in the U.S. and other countries. Immersion Corporation has been accused of being a [[patent troll]] in the media.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/133074/20160212/apple-sued-by-immersion-for-allegedly-infringing-haptic-feedback-patents-used-in-3d-touch.htm | title = Apple Sued By Immersion For Allegedly Infringing Haptic Feedback Patents Used In 3D Touch | work=Tech Times | date=February 12, 2016}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
{{Prose|date=February 2023|section}}
Immersion was founded in 1993 by [[Louis Rosenberg (writer)|Louis Rosenberg.]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.immersion.com/corporate/background.php |title=Immersion Corporation - Welcome to the Immersion Web Site<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017065304/http://immersion.com/corporate/background.php |archive-date=2007-10-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rosenberg also served as the company's CEO until 2000.
* In 1993, Immersion was founded by [[Louis Barry Rosenberg (scientist)|Louis Rosenberg]], who served as its [[chief executive officer]] until 2000.<ref name="Baxter 2021"/>
⚫
* Nov 1999, the company went public. Shares were offered at $12.00.<ref>{{Cite web|title = IMMERSION CORP (IMMR) IPO|url = http://www.nasdaq.com/markets/ipos/company/immersion-corp-8190-2867|website = NASDAQ.com|accessdate = 2015-10-05}}</ref>
* In 1997, Immersion worked with Microsoft to integrate their Immersion's TouchSense technology into Microsoft's [[DirectInput]] API for DirectX 5.0.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.immersion.com/developer/community/faq/faqDeveloper.php#D_T_13 | title=Immersion - FAQ - Developer | work=Immersion.com | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> Microsoft and Immersion continued to work together on DirectX 6 and 7,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1998/feb98/frcfdbpr.mspx | title=Companies Redouble Efforts to Deliver Consistent Support, Compatibility Across Wide Range of Products | work=Microsoft PressPass | date=February 3, 1999 | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> and signed an agreement in 1999 to share each other's "feel simulation technology".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1999/aug99/immersionpr.mspx | title=Microsoft and Immersion Collaborate To Advance Feel-Simulation Technologies | date=August 5, 1999 | work=Microsoft PressPass | accessdate=2007-08-26 }}</ref>
* In 1997, Immersion worked with Microsoft to integrate their Immersion's TouchSense technology into Microsoft's [[DirectInput]] API for DirectX 5.0.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.immersion.com/developer/community/faq/faqDeveloper.php#D_T_13 | title=Immersion - FAQ - Developer | work=Immersion.com | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> Microsoft and Immersion continued to work together on DirectX 6 and 7,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1998/feb98/frcfdbpr.mspx | title=Companies Redouble Efforts to Deliver Consistent Support, Compatibility Across Wide Range of Products | work=Microsoft PressPass | date=February 3, 1999 | accessdate=2007-08-26}}</ref> and signed an agreement in 1999 to share each other's "feel simulation technology".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1999/aug99/immersionpr.mspx | title=Microsoft and Immersion Collaborate To Advance Feel-Simulation Technologies | date=August 5, 1999 | work=Microsoft PressPass | accessdate=2007-08-26 }}</ref>
* In March 1999, the company acquired Cybernet Haptic Systems and its haptic patent portfolio from Cybernet Systems Corporation for stock and cash.
⚫
* In 2002, Immersion [[Immersion v. Sony|filed a suit]] against Microsoft and Sony alleging that their game console controllers were infringing on two of Immersion's patents; both defendants eventually reached agreements with Immersion that involved multimillion-dollar payments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202425204868 |title=Former GC Reflects on Time Immersed in IP Battles |first=Zusha |last=Elinson |date=October 13, 2008 |work=The Recorder |publisher=[[ALM (company)|ALM]] |location=San Francisco |accessdate=2010-09-03 |quote=Observers say Immersion's era of aggressive litigation and licensing was a success. In defending its patents on "haptic" technology for applying touch sensation and control to computer programs, the company beat Sony, got money out of Microsoft, and has signed up medical, car and cell phone companies for patent licenses.}}</ref>
⚫
* In November 1999, the company went public. Shares were offered at $12.00.<ref>{{Cite web|title = IMMERSION CORP (IMMR) IPO|url = http://www.nasdaq.com/markets/ipos/company/immersion-corp-8190-2867|website = NASDAQ.com|accessdate = 2015-10-05}}</ref>
* September 2014: Immersion launches TouchSense Engage Solution for Mobile Video Content and debuts first-ever haptically enabled trailer with SHOWTIMES to promote Homeland Season 4.
* In March 2000, Immersion acquired Haptic Technologies for $7 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
* March 2015: Immersion launches TouchSense Engage Solution for Mobile Games, providing developers with code and support to help add tactile effects to mobile games
* In March 2000, Immersion acquired Immersion Medical for an undisclosed amount, gaining their patent portfolio.
* February 2015: Immersion launches its Instinctive Alerts Framework, an innovative approach to tactile notifications for wearable devices
* In September 2000, Immersion acquired Virtual Technologies for $1 million, gaining their patent portfolio.
* June 2015: Company announces that more than 3 billion devices worldwide are enabled with Immersion's haptic technology.
* By 2014, Immersion Corporation gained over 1,650 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries in the haptic field.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/2354385-immersion-corporations-ip-value-as-an-acquisition-target | title=Immersion Corporation's IP Value as an Acquisition Target (NASDAQ:IMMR) &#124; Seeking Alpha | date=July 29, 2014 }}</ref>
* 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/apple-being-sued-for-familiar-vibrations |title=Apple being sued for familiar vibrations |first=Jon |last=Mundy |date=February 12, 2016 |work=Trusted Reviews |accessdate=2016-02-13 |quote=Apple is facing legal action from haptic feedback technology company Immersion.}}</ref>
* 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/apple-being-sued-for-familiar-vibrations |title=Apple being sued for familiar vibrations |first=Jon |last=Mundy |date=February 12, 2016 |work=Trusted Reviews |accessdate=2016-02-13 |quote=Apple is facing legal action from haptic feedback technology company Immersion.}}</ref>
⚫
* January 2017: Immersion has a multi-year partnership with [[Nintendo]] to use its haptic technology on the [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-switch-touchscreen-technology-powered-by-immersion-corporation | title = Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Technology Powered By Immersion Corporation| first = Jonathan | last = Dornbrush | date = 13 January 2017 | accessdate = 13 January 2017 | work = [[IGN]] }}</ref>
* February 2017: Immersion announces TouchSense Force, a combination of development software and hardware that it hopes will enhance haptic feedback in both existing game controllers and new devices to make for better VR experiences and other content. Immersion also announced their [[UE4]] plugin that utilizes TouchSense Force. The plugin allows users to easily design haptic effects and quickly integrate the effects into their game.
* October 2017: Immersion announces its [[Unity (game engine)]] version of its [[UE4]] plugin, known as TouchSense Force Haptic Lab.
* January 2018: Immersion reached a global settlement and license agreements with Apple.


==Litigation==
== Recent customer/partnership announcements ==
===Sony and Microsoft===
* April 2015: Announces new category on Google Play Store, “Games You Can Feel” which features mobile games enabled with Immersion's haptic technology
{{main|Immersion v. Sony}}
⚫
* Immersion has a multi-year partnership with [[Nintendo]] to use its haptic technology on the [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-switch-touchscreen-technology-powered-by-immersion-corporation | title = Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Technology Powered By Immersion Corporation| first = Jonathan | last = Dornbrush | date = 13 January 2017 | accessdate = 13 January 2017 | work = [[IGN]] }}</ref>
⚫
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|6088017|US Patent 6,088,017}}, itself filed 1998 by Virtual Technologies Inc which Immersion later acquired.;<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.immersion.com/corporate/patents/patent_portfolio.php |title=Immersion Corporation - Corporate: Patents<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2006-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016091707/http://www.immersion.com/corporate/patents/patent_portfolio.php |archive-date=2006-10-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> both defendants eventually reached agreements with Immersion that involved multimillion-dollar payments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.com/jsp/cc/PubArticleCC.jsp?id=1202425204868 |title=Former GC Reflects on Time Immersed in IP Battles |first=Zusha |last=Elinson |date=October 13, 2008 |work=The Recorder |publisher=[[ALM (company)|ALM]] |location=San Francisco |accessdate=2010-09-03 |quote=Observers say Immersion's era of aggressive litigation and licensing was a success. In defending its patents on 'haptic' technology for applying touch sensation and control to computer programs, the company beat Sony, got money out of Microsoft, and has signed up medical, car and cell phone companies for patent licenses.}}</ref>

===Meta Platforms===
In May 2022, Immersion sued [[Meta Platforms]] for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Joel |date=2022-05-27 |title=Meta Copied VR Technology Key to Metaverse Gaming, Immersion Claims - BNN Bloomberg |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/meta-copied-vr-technology-key-to-metaverse-gaming-immersion-claims-1.1771445 |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=BNN}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=2023-05-16 |title=Valve just got sued by Immersion over Steam Deck and Index rumble |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23726295/valve-immersion-rumble-lawsuit |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=The Verge}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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== External links ==
== External links ==
*[http://www.immersion.com Company website]
* {{Official website}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Electronics companies of the United States]]
[[Category:1999 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Jose, California]]
[[Category:Companies based in Miami-Dade County, Florida]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Electronics companies of the United States]]




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Latest revision as of 20:43, 13 May 2024

Immersion Corporation
Company typePublic
IndustryTechnology
Founded1993; 31 years ago (1993)
FounderLouis Rosenberg
Headquarters
Aventura, Florida
,
U.S.
Key people
Francis Jose
(CEO & general counsel)
RevenueIncrease US$35.1 million (2021)
Number of employees
26 (2021)
Websiteimmersion.com Edit this at Wikidata
Footnotes / references
[1]

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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

Sony and Microsoft[edit]

Main article: Immersion v. Sony

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[edit]

In May 2022, Immersion sued Meta Platforms for patent infringement relating to the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers.[15]

Valve[edit]

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]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Immersion Corp. 2021 Annual Report (Form 10-K)". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. February 25, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Baxter, Brian (September 2, 2021). "Immersion Elevates Legal Head to CEO amid Patent Battles". Bloomberg Law. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  3. ^ Gross, Kyle (2009). "Game On: The Rising Prevalence of Patent-Related Issues in the Video Game Industry". SMU Science and Technology Law Review. 12 (3): 259–260, 267. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  4. ^ "Apple Sued by Immersion for Allegedly Infringing Haptic Feedback Patents Used in 3D Touch". Tech Times. February 12, 2016.
  5. ^ "About". Immersion. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Immersion - FAQ - Developer". Immersion.com. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  7. ^ "Companies Redouble Efforts to Deliver Consistent Support, Compatibility Across Wide Range of Products". Microsoft PressPass. February 3, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  8. ^ "Microsoft and Immersion Collaborate To Advance Feel-Simulation Technologies". Microsoft PressPass. August 5, 1999. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  9. ^ "IMMERSION CORP (IMMR) IPO". NASDAQ.com. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  10. ^ "Immersion Corporation's IP Value as an Acquisition Target (NASDAQ:IMMR) | Seeking Alpha". July 29, 2014.
  11. ^ Mundy, Jon (February 12, 2016). "Apple being sued for familiar vibrations". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved February 13, 2016. Apple is facing legal action from haptic feedback technology company Immersion.
  12. ^ Dornbrush, Jonathan (January 13, 2017). "Nintendo Switch Touchscreen Technology Powered By Immersion Corporation". IGN. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  13. ^ "Immersion Corporation - Corporate: Patents". Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  14. ^ Elinson, Zusha (October 13, 2008). "Former GC Reflects on Time Immersed in IP Battles". The Recorder. San Francisco: ALM. Retrieved September 3, 2010. Observers say Immersion's era of aggressive litigation and licensing was a success. In defending its patents on 'haptic' technology for applying touch sensation and control to computer programs, the company beat Sony, got money out of Microsoft, and has signed up medical, car and cell phone companies for patent licenses.
  15. ^ Rosenblatt, Joel (May 27, 2022). "Meta Copied VR Technology Key to Metaverse Gaming, Immersion Claims - BNN Bloomberg". BNN. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  16. ^ Hollister, Sean (May 16, 2023). "Valve just got sued by Immersion over Steam Deck and Index rumble". The Verge. Retrieved May 17, 2023.

External links[edit]


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