Warner Bros patents defining mechanic from Lord of the RIngs video game

Warner Brothers has patented the key mechanic from its popular Middle Earth video games, based on lore written by J.R.R. Tolkien and adapted in the Lord of Rings trilogy.
Gaming giant Valve loses nation’s first virtual patent trial

A Washington federal jury has ordered Valve to pay over $4 million for a plagiarized design element in one of its gaming accessories.