Reports are emerging that Microsoft may be forced to cease distribution of the Xbox 360 in the U.S.
A continuing legal battle between Motorola and Microsoft over intellectual property rights threatens to result in a ban that will see the platform holder unable to import or sale the Xbox 360.
As reported by Kotaku, International Trade Commission judge David Shaw has suggested that all imports of the console (they're made in China) should be stopped and Microsoft should pay 7% of the value of any unsold consoles remaining in the country.
When Microsoft suggested that their exclusion would hurt the marketplace, Shaw retorted "enforcing intellectual property rights outweighs any potential economic impact on video game console buyers."
The dispute arose over five patents that Motorola believes have been infringed by Microsoft via the Xbox 360. If the ITC commissioners side with Shaw, their recommendation will end up on the desk of President Barack Obama, who will make the final decision.