Microsoft files patent infringement complaint over Best Buy mouse

Microsoft announced yesterday that it had filed an action with the International Trade Commission against Primax Electronics of Taiwan over several technologies used in mice, which are sold in Best Buy under the Dynex brand name.

After reportedly attempting to "engage in meaningful licensing discussions" with Primax over the course of several years, Microsoft has resorted to filing a complaint with the International Trade Commission (ITC) for patent infringement.

The product cited in Microsoft's complaint (full text PDF here) is Primax's Dynex Wireless Optical Mouse, an otherwise unremarkable device were it not for the fact that it has apparently completely gone around obtaining licensing from Microsoft for use of certain technologies.

Microsoft says the Magnifier, Tilt Wheel, and U2 technologies are licensed by 20 other peripheral manufacturers.

Primax, however, has a long list of mouse-related patent applications, including one for a "Mouse with Tilt Wheel encoding Mechanism" that was filed in March 2007 and reviewed last week.

Many of the company's products are filed under the trade name "Primax/Best Buy."

The mouse detailed in the complaint had the model number DX-PWLMSE, the exact same model number as the Dynex Wireless Optical Mouse that sells at Best Buy for $16.99. Dynex is Best Buy's brand name for the generic products it sells, such as cables and other small devices.

The Taiwanese company has been difficult to reach not only for Microsoft, but from the media as well; many reporters covering this story claim Primax could not be reached.

Responding to Betanews inquiries, a representative from Best Buy said she could issue "no comment on pending litigation" between Microsoft and Primax.