Intellectual Property
Ongoing coverage on Intellectual Property.
Latest coverage
Invincible VS Developer Skybound Exits Third-Party Publishing
Skybound Games, publisher of titles like Before Your Eyes and Goodnight Universe, is exiting the third-party publishing market to focus on its own intellectual properties, including Invincible VS. The company learned from its indie publishing experiences but will now invest its resources into its own IPs, such as Invincible VS and The Walking Dead, which it believes have long-term potential. Invincible VS is set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Dev Sells IP to Publisher 505 Games' Parent Company, Digital Bros.
Italian company Digital Bros has acquired the intellectual property rights for the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. The sale was made by the game's developer to Digital Bros, the parent company of publisher 505 Games.
How Evil Empire makes one of the most effect indie showcase events – while juggling Castlevania, live ops, and building its own IP
Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, has successfully organized the Triple-i Initiative, an effective indie game showcase event. The company also manages live operations for other studios' games, such as Brotato, while developing its own original IPs.
Digital Bros buys the rights to Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for €4 million
Digital Bros, the parent company of 505 Games, has acquired the intellectual property rights to the soulslike RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for approximately €4 million. This acquisition grants Digital Bros full ownership of the franchise, eliminating future royalty obligations to developer Chengdu Lingze Technology. The game, which launched in July 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
Take-Two CEO talks about the possibility of a new LA Noire game
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick discussed the potential for future installments in the LA Noire franchise, stating that the company is always considering its intellectual properties. While no specific announcements were made regarding LA Noire, Zelnick indicated that development teams are open to revisiting legacy titles if there is passion for them.
Business and Finance
Digital Bros has acquired the intellectual property rights to the game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. This acquisition pertains to the business and finance aspects of the game's ownership.
Digital Bros acquires the intellectual property rights relating to Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Digital Bros has acquired the intellectual property rights for the soulslike action RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers from developer Chengdu Lingze Technology Co. Ltd for approximately Euro 4 million. The acquisition, which includes full ownership of the IP, aims to enhance the Group's ability to make future development decisions and increase its portfolio of fully owned intellectual property. The game, published by Digital Bros' subsidiary 505 Games, has achieved significant commercial success, selling over 1 million units and reaching the top of Steam's Global Top Sellers chart.
Digital Bros buys Wuchang: Fallen Feathers IP
Digital Bros, the parent company of 505 Games, has acquired the intellectual property rights for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers from developer Lenzee for approximately €4 million. This acquisition grants Digital Bros full ownership of the series, aligning with their strategy to increase fully owned intellectual property. The deal is not expected to significantly impact the current fiscal year's business outlook, though the company projects over a million copies sold by March 31st, 2026.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Director Hopes To Make a Second IP, Like CDPR Did With Cyberpunk
Rebel Wolves CEO Bartłomiej Kulon expressed a desire to develop a second intellectual property after The Blood of Dawnwalker, aiming to alternate between projects similar to how CD Projekt Red and Blizzard Entertainment operate. This suggests a long-term strategy for the studio beyond its debut title.
Cegah Dipakai AI, Taylor Swift Daftarkan Sapaannya Jadi Hak Merek
Taylor Swift has filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect her likeness and voice from misuse by artificial intelligence. The applications cover her iconic spoken phrases "Hey, it's Taylor Swift" and "Hey, it's Taylor," as well as a visual of her holding a pink guitar during The Eras Tour. This move comes amid growing concerns about AI's potential to exploit artists' identities without consent, following instances where Swift's image was used without permission in AI-generated content.
Super Mario fans can now be buried in very unofficial branded coffins
A funeral home in Brazil, Bignotto, is offering coffins themed after Super Mario characters like Mario, Luigi, and Peach. These unofficial products feature interchangeable logos and are being advertised on social media. Nintendo is known for being protective of its intellectual property, and it remains to be seen how the company will respond to these branded coffins.
You can now download 3D CAD models of Noctua fans, but the company warns they 'will not perform well when…
Noctua has released 3D CAD models for many of its fan designs, intended for reference and visualization purposes. While users can download these models, Noctua warns that they may not perform well if 3D printed due to deliberate modifications and the complexity of fan manufacturing, also noting that the models are not to be used for commercial reproduction of their products.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers might have a future, with western publisher swooping in to buy rights after its dev was shut down
Italian publisher Digital Bros has acquired the intellectual property rights for the Soulslike game Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for approximately €4 million. This acquisition comes after the game's developer, Chengdu Lingzee, was shut down. Digital Bros, which previously partnered with Chengdu Lingzee for the game's global release, will now control all future development and revenue for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, indicating a potential future for the title despite the developer's closure.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers IP Rights Acquired by Digital Bros for €4 Million
Digital Bros, parent company of 505 Games, has acquired the intellectual property rights for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers from Leenzee for €4 million. This acquisition follows turmoil surrounding the game's development team and the alleged firing of its director/producer, Xia Siyuan. Digital Bros highlighted the first game's success, having sold over one million units and generated more than €30 million in revenue.
Obsidian caused some trouble by using the Rorschach Test in Fallout: New Vegas: 'Those folks came to Bethesda and said we're gonna have a fun lawsuit on our hands, so pony up!'
Former Obsidian creative director Chris Avellone revealed that Fallout: New Vegas faced legal trouble over its use of the Rorschach Test without proper trademark clearance. Representatives for the Rorschach Test approached Bethesda, leading to a settlement. This incident highlighted the complexities of intellectual property and trademarks in game development.
Studio IGGYMOB acquires GUNGRAVE IP from RED ENTERTAINMENT
Studio IGGYMOB has acquired the GUNGRAVE intellectual property from RED ENTERTAINMENT. The GUNGRAVE series, which began in 2002, has seen recent entries like Gungrave G.O.R.E. and Gungrave VR developed by IGGYMOB. The company expressed excitement for the future of the franchise.
'Sega Universe' Initiative Announced, Celebrating Multiple Classics With Anniversary Projects
Sega has announced a new 'Sega Universe' initiative in Japan to celebrate the anniversaries of classic game series. The initiative highlights franchises such as OutRun, Streets of Rage, Sakura Wars, Fantasy Zone, and NiGHTS, with potential for projects beyond games, including film, music, and fashion.
Game History and Preservation
Sega has launched Sega Universe, a project aimed at reviving its older intellectual properties beyond just video games. Separately, Peter Molyneux has commented on the Fable reboot, with details emerging via IGN. These initiatives highlight a growing focus on game preservation and IP utilization within the industry.
Sega bringing back NiGHTS Into Dreams and Guardian Heroes - but not as games
Sega has launched a new initiative called Sega Universe to revive its classic intellectual properties in various media beyond video games, including film, music, and fashion. The project will begin with anniversary celebrations for titles like NiGHTS Into Dreams, Guardian Heroes, and Sakura Wars in 2026, though new game releases are not expected.
SEGA launches SEGA Universe designed to revive its older IP beyond games
SEGA has launched SEGA Universe, an initiative to revive its classic intellectual properties beyond video games. This expansion will encompass film, music, fashion, and other entertainment forms, featuring beloved titles like Fantasy Zone, Outrun, and Streets of Rage. The project aims to connect with new generations while preserving the memories of older fans.
