Microsoft, XBOX Technologies Settle Name Dispute

The Associated Press issued a brief statement indicating that Microsoft and Florida-based, XBOX Technologies have settled their quarrel over the name 'Xbox'. XBOX Technologies will assume a different corporate identity in the future and Microsoft will attain the trademark rights. Specific terms of the agreement are not publicly available, and Microsoft could not be reached for comment prior to publication. However, XBOX Technologies representative Robert P. Koolen told BetaNews, "This was a very very mutually satisfactory settlement."

The dispute raised possibilities that Microsoft's much touted Xbox could be delayed. Last February, Bloomberg reported that John Van Leeuwen of XBOX Technologies would not indicate whether the company would sell the XBOX brand name.

Microsoft has maintained a firm commitment to its significant hardware product, planning to spend over 500 million US dollars to directly compete against Sony's popular PlayStation II game console.