Publishing giant Activision has joined IBM and stated that they oppose the proposed ban of Xbox 360 consoles in the U.S.
The row started as a dispute over patents between Microsoft and Motorola (now owned by Google), and threatens to spill out into the marketplace, with Motorola calling for a ban on the sale and importation of Xbox 360 consoles in North America.
IBM went on record as saying that a ban would cause them to "suffer commercial harm" should it be put in place.
As reported by Foss Patents, IBM also mentioned Motorola's reluctance to enter into good faith negotiations with Microsoft. Under these circumstances IBM suggest that a ban: "would frustrate the public interest by allowing Motorola to benefit from its refusal to negotiate with Microsoft in good faith".
Activision has also joined in the debate, explaining that they have; "expended and continues to expend significant resources to develop video games and accessories specially adapted to operate on Microsoft's Xbox gaming console."
American Xbox 360 owners will no doubt be watching developments here with interest.