Sony, Connectix Settle Claims, Plan Joint Software Projects

Sony Corp. has dropped legal claims against Connectix Corp. over “emulation” software that enables consumers to play PlayStation games on their personal computers, both companies said.

Under their settlement, Sony will acquire assets relating to Connectix’s Virtual Game Station, and Connectix will continue to sell software for Macintosh and Windows PC operating systems until the end of June.

The companies will work together to develop further emulation technology, according to a joint statement released this week.

The agreement, which already has been approved by a federal judge in San Francisco, ends two years of legal sparring over the software, Connectix President Roy McDonald said.

“We’ve always said we thought we’d be better off if the two companies cooperated instead of litigating,” McDonald said. “That’s a happy ending.”

McDonald said his company’s software does not work for PlayStation 2 games, and there were no announced plans to develop compatible software.

Two Sony units, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., filed lawsuits against San Mateo-based Connectix in 1999, alleging copyright, trademark and patent infringement. All these claims were either dropped or dismissed previously by the judge.