Sony sued over cell CPU

Sony Computer Entertainment America is being sued yet again, this time for alleged patent infringement over the cell CPU used in its new PlayStation 3 gaming console.

The California-based Parallel Processing Corporation filed the suit in the Eastern District of Texas on 26 July citing patent 5,056,000, which describes a "synchronised parallel processing with shared memory", that was approved in October 1991.

Although the patent was originally attributed to a company called International Parallel Machines in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Parallel Processing Corporation is heading up the suit as the self described "exclusive licensee" of the patent.

The suit states that "on information and belief, Defendant Sony Corporation of America has infringed and continues to infringe on the '000 Patent by making, using, importing, offering for sale and/or selling products among other things, covered by one or more claims of the '000 Patent, including, but not limited to, Sony Playstation III."

The suit alleges that Sony's actions "are causing irreparable harm and monetary damage" to the company.

Parallel Processing Corporation is seeking not only attorney's fees and damages, but also the impounding and destruction of all Sony products that infringe on the patent, which would involve a recall of every PS3.

Sony has refused to comment on the case, referring to its policy of not commenting on pending litigation.