The International Trade Commission has found in favor of Nintendo in a case involving three companies claiming the gaming giant infringed on their patents with the creation of the Nintendo DS and 3DS handhelds.

In 2012, Technology Properties Limited LLC, Phoenix Digital Solutions LLC and Patriot Scientific Corporation - three companies specializing in patent licensing - filed suit against Nintendo, claiming that the company had infringed on a high-efficiency processor patent in the creation of its most recent handhelds. After nearly two years in court, Nintendo has emerged victorious.

"We are very pleased with the commission's determination, which confirmed the judge's finding that Nintendo's products do not infringe the asserted patent," said Nintendo of America vice president Richard Medway in a statement trumpeting the company's victory. "Nintendo's track record demonstrates that we vigorously defend patent lawsuits, including cases in the ITC, when we believe we have not infringed another party's patent. Nintendo continues to develop unique and innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others."

That track record Medway mentions does indeed demonstrate that Nintendo is an ardent defender of its intellectual property rights, though the company's history in the courtroom is far from spotless. Less than a year ago, Nintendo was ordered to pay $30.2 million for infringing on a 3D display patent held by Seijiro Tomita. [Image: Nintendo]