guitar hero

Gibson Guitar Company Sues Retailers, MTV Over 'Guitar Hero' And 'Rock Band'

Instrument maker claims games violate 1999 Gibson patent for virtual music performances.

by Stephen Totilo, with additional reporting by Chris Harris

The Gibson Guitar Corporation announced Thursday that it is suing major retailers that sell "Guitar Hero" games. The suit is part of an ongoing legal squabble between the instrument manufacturer and the makers of the popular music video games.

It was reported late Friday (March 21) that Gibson has also sued MTV, Harmonix and EA for allegedly violating a 1999 patent with last year's music game "Rock Band."