Konami Sues Harmonix Over ‘Rock Band’

Videogame company Konami has sued Rock Band creators Harmonix, alleging that the game infringes on their patents.

Konami says it has patents on simulated musical instruments, a music-game system and a musical-rhythm matching game. They say they came up with the thing in 2002 and 2003.

Konami is demanding money, plus an order that would block Viacom and Harmonix from using the inventions. A Viacom spokeswoman said the company hasn’t received the complaint, so had no immediate comment.