The US International Trade Commission has begun an investigation into possible Nintendo Switch patent infringement. The investigation comes after the company Gamevice, responsible for the Wikipad and mobile snap on controllers, made claims that Nintendo violated patents on its attachable handheld controllers and other accessories. The alleged violations claimed by Gamevice fall under the Tariff Act of 1930 and the company is seeking a cease and desist order on the gaming company.

Currently, the USITC hasn’t made any ruling on whether or not Nintendo Switch patent infringement has occurred.  It could take up to 45 days for them to even announce a date for the end of the investigation. In the meantime, whether or not the Switch will be able to continue importing from Japan hangs in the balance. According to the US International Trade Commission announcement:

The products at issue in the investigation are controller systems with parts that attach to two sides of an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and the parts fit into a user’s hands and have gaming controls.”

Neither company has made a statement regarding the Nintendo Switch patent infringement investigation as of yet, however, it is still early in the proceedings. What stands out as interesting is that Gamevice didn’t pursue these allegations last year when they filed suit against Nintendo for supposed patent violations on their Wikipad. Instead, Gamevice dropped the lawsuit in October, which brings to question just how valid the infringement claims really are.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of Nintendo Switch patent infringement? Does Gamevice have a case, or this company simply just making trouble for Nintendo? Join in on the conversation in the comment section below! Don’t forget to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news coverage 24/7!