OnLive claims ‘cloud gaming’ patent

OnLive has been granted the ‘cloud gaming’ patent its CEO had filed eight years ago.

Steve Perlman applied for the patent protection back in 2002. Today he declined to comment on whether he would, or could, sue rival firms that use similar technology.

The patent will likely intensify the enmity between OnLive and its contemporaneous rival Gaikai, but could also prove to be a double-edged sword.

The theory is that OnLive’s patent protection could discourage companies from using similar technologies. However, such a monopoly on cloud gaming – particularly at its formative stages – could inhibit wider growth in the sector.

For all the details, check out Develop.