The 2nd article isn't fully available, but from reading some discussion on it, SCUF may have set a precedent of being able to go after anyone using direct or indirect back buttons on controllers that aren't paying them licensing, like the expensive Xbox Elite controller did. Unfortunately this may mean a new Steam controller is less likely to come out, and baseline grip / paddle buttons for console controllers are probably less likely to be a thing, especially with SCUF seemingly holding onto patents for 10+ more years to sell their expensive controllers.
This is utter bullshit.
Firstly, there is prior art for buttons on the back of controllers.
The original Gravis Xterminator back in ~1997:
The Gravis Xterminator force, which I would say is closer to having "back buttons" than "grip buttons" if you are trying to make that distinction:
You could probably argue that the N64 controller applies too.
You want to patent levers on the back of a controller?
Meet the AlphaGrip:
I looked over SCUF's patents when I heard about this some time last week, and their patent describes a specific mechanism which does not apply to the Steam Controller design.
It describes a vertical paddle system as part of the back of the controller, while the Steam Controller's back buttons are actuated horizontally and are a part of the controller's grip design rather than the 'back' of the controller.
But I'm sure that Valve themselves would have argued this - so I'm not sure why the case would have been decided in SCUF's favor.
If anything, it shows how bullshit America's patent system is, if the vaguest of similarities can be ruled in SCUF's favor, despite prior art for the idea of buttons/levers on the back of a controller, and the design used on the Steam Controller being different from the one that SCUF patented.
I hope this can be appealed and ruled in Valve's favor.
It doesn't just describe a button on the back of a controller, but the manner of operation for that button. This is exactly what Valve ignored before releasing their controller. You don't have to like it but the N64 pad is not a strong case for prior art.
The grip buttons on the Steam Controller do not operate the same way as SCUF's paddle design though.
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