IBM files patent complaint against Asustek

International Business Machines (IBM) is asking the US government to ban imports of some computers made by Taiwan`s Asustek Computer, alleging the products infringe three IBM patents, reports Reuters.

IBM said on Thursday it filed a complaint against Asustek and its North American subsidiary, ASUS Computer International, with the US International Trade Commission.

It said the patent infringement occurs in Asustek`s own-brand computers as well as in products the Taiwan contract manufacturer makes for other brands. IBM did not name the other brands.

A cyber attack reported last week by one of the federal government`s nuclear weapons laboratories may have originated in China. This is according to a confidential memorandum distributed to public and private security officials by the Department of Homeland Security, says The New York Times.

Security researchers said the memorandum, obtained by The New York Times from an executive at a private company, included a list of Web and Internet addresses that were linked to locations in China.

However, they noted that such links did not prove the Chinese government or Chinese citizens were involved in the attacks. In the past, intruders have compromised computers in China and then used them to disguise their true location.

The beleaguered music industry is beginning to show more enthusiasm for free, advertising-supported business models. The latest sign: Universal Music Group has agreed to provide its songs to online social network Imeem, says Forbes.com.

Imeem now boasts deals with all four major record companies, including Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Group, all of which have already inked deals with the social network.

It`s a sharp turnaround from earlier this year, when none of the majors were willing to sign on to Imeem`s new ad-supported interactive service.

Activision will ship free replacement discs in early 2008 for any and all wanting full stereo output, according to PC World.

"We recently became aware that some consumers have not been able to enjoy the full audio output in the Nintendo Wii version of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock," said Activision spokesperson Rhy-Ming Poon.

Guitar Hero III for Wii only outputs monaural sound despite advertising Dolby Pro Logic II on the game box. Fortunately for interested fans, a free "re-mastered" replacement disc will be sent next year, although no specifics were disclosed.