Intellectual Property
Ongoing coverage on Intellectual Property.
Latest coverage
Fortnite returns to Google Play, releases Star Wars creator items with very specific ‘brand rules’
Fortnite has returned to Google Play for Android devices after a legal dispute between Epic Games and Google was resolved. The game's latest season is now available, along with new content for its Marvel Blitz game and a portrait mode for Festival Main Stage. Additionally, creators can now develop Star Wars-themed games within Fortnite using official characters and items, provided they adhere to strict brand rules that prohibit political or religious commentary and the use of existing Star Wars titles for their creations.
LABUBU Movie Now In Development In Partnership Between Sony and POP MART
Sony Pictures Entertainment and POP MART are collaborating on a hybrid CGI and live-action movie based on the LABUBU character, created by Kasing Lung. Paul King, known for "Wonka" and "Paddington," is set to direct and co-write the script with Steven Levenson, while also serving as a producer.
One of the best games in years, and also one of the most controversial comes to Game Pass today – bye bye weekend
Disco Elysium has been added to Game Pass, offering players a 50-hour RPG experience with enhanced features in its Final Cut version. The article also details the significant behind-the-scenes controversy surrounding developer ZA/UM, including allegations of corporate mismanagement and disputes over intellectual property involving key creative figures.
“Strangely, it became some people's first entry to the franchise” Remembering Pokémon Uranium: the controversial fan game that lives on, 10 years later
Pokémon Uranium, a popular fan-made game released in 2016, is being remembered 10 years later for its unique take on the franchise and its enduring community. Despite being shut down by Nintendo due to intellectual property concerns, the game's legacy continues through dedicated fans and its surprising role as an entry point for new players into the Pokémon universe.
Fortnite's New Star Wars Map-Making Tools Go Live, But With Some Catches
Epic Games has launched new map-making tools for Fortnite, allowing players to create Star Wars-inspired islands using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). This feature, part of Disney's investment in Epic Games, enables users to build their own Star Wars games and worlds within Fortnite, with publishing to the Creator Portal beginning May 1. However, creators must adhere to strict guidelines regarding content, including prohibitions on political or religious themes, and cannot monetize their creations directly.
EverQuest lawsuit reaches settlement with threat of $3.5M in damages against emulator operators
Daybreak Game Company has reached a settlement in its lawsuit against the operators of an EverQuest emulator server, The Heroes Journey. The settlement permanently enjoins the operators, Kristopher Takahashi and Alexander Taylor, from using Daybreak's intellectual property. If they breach the agreement, they will owe Daybreak $3.5 million in damages and attorneys' fees.
Generative AI in game development: Navigating IP, regulation, and reputation
The use of generative AI in game development presents significant legal and reputational challenges concerning intellectual property, regulation, and public perception. While AI tools offer potential benefits like faster iteration and cost savings, studios must proactively manage risks related to copyright infringement, likeness rights, and potential monetization exploitation. Careful governance and awareness of evolving platform policies and legal developments are crucial for studios integrating AI.
Senators tell ByteDance to shut down Seedance 2.0 AI video app 'immediately'
US senators have demanded that ByteDance immediately shut down its Seedance 2.0 AI video generator, citing threats to American intellectual property and the creative community. The senators expressed concern over AI companies training apps on copyrighted materials without permission and called ByteDance's pledge to respect IP rights a delay tactic. The Motion Picture Association has also issued a cease-and-desist letter to ByteDance regarding the app.
Krafton loses Subnautica 2 lawsuit, must reinstate Ted Gill as CEO
A Delaware court has ruled in favor of ex-Unknown Worlds management, reinstating Ted Gill as CEO of the company and granting him control of Subnautica 2. The court found that Krafton breached its contract by acquiring the developer and improperly dismissing Gill. The ruling also addresses earn-out payments and extends their calculation period.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Creating Proprietary IP Framework for AAA Game Development
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is developing a proprietary system for AAA game development, focusing on a strong visual identity and art direction. Creative Director Feng Zhu introduced the studio's "90:10 Balance" philosophy, emphasizing a systematic approach to building intellectual property that goes beyond just art.
Game companies say “don’t use our IP.” The US government keeps doing it anyway
The US White House has again used Nintendo's intellectual property, specifically from Wii Sports, in political content without apparent permission. This follows previous instances where the Trump administration used Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's IP, drawing criticism and legal action. Grand Theft Auto IP was also reportedly used in similar content.
The Daily Grind: What MMO and multiplayer IPs are going ‘underutilized’?
Blizzard's Holly Longdale stated that the Warcraft IP is underutilized, a sentiment echoed by the author regarding the EverQuest franchise. The article prompts discussion on which other MMO and multiplayer intellectual properties are not being fully leveraged and how they could be expanded.
Palworld devs would be "happy to hand the IP over" to the right studio for a spin-off, unless it was a Balatro or Clair Obscur-like: "As long as it's something that the players want"
Pocketpair, the developer of Palworld, is open to the idea of spin-off games based on the IP, provided they align with player desires and the game's nonsensical world. Publishing director John Buckley stated that while they don't aim to become a large media empire, they are happy to see "fun little Palworld stuff" emerge, excluding genres like Balatro or Clair Obscur.
DC fans have a completely made up game called ‘DC Allies,’ and the roleplay is so strong that Warner Bros really should just go and make it real
DC fans have created a detailed, fictional game called 'DC Allies' as a response to the success of 'Marvel Rivals,' complete with character rosters, abilities, and lore. The extensive roleplaying and community engagement suggest a strong demand for a similar official DC Comics game, prompting calls for Warner Bros. to consider developing one despite past failures like 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League'.
John Wick and Space Marine 2 Dev Teases Coolest IP Ever Its Had to Turn Down Twice
Tim Willits, chief creative officer at Saber Interactive, revealed that he has turned down the opportunity to work on a highly anticipated intellectual property twice. He stated that revealing the IP would shock the world, but did not disclose its name.
Clair Obscur Dev Promises a 'Fair' Solution After Threatening Legal Action Against Unrelated Comic
Sandfall Interactive, the developer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has threatened legal action against a comic book titled L’Academie Clair-Obscur, claiming copyright infringement. The comic's creator, Olivier Gay, has stated he will rebrand the comic if necessary. Sandfall Interactive has since commented, expressing a desire to find a fair solution for all parties involved.
Clair Obscur Dev Withdraws All Legal Action Against Unrelated Comic Book
Sandfall Interactive has withdrawn all legal action against the comic book L’Academie Clair-Obscur, which it had previously claimed infringed on the intellectual property of its game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The studio stated that the action taken by its legal representatives was a mistake, as the comic book is unrelated to their game. Sandfall Interactive expressed support for artists and creativity, wishing the comic book creator well.
Steam game listing achieves knockoff singularity by aping Pokémon, Zelda, and even Overwatch designs with a shamelessness Palworld could only dream of
The Steam game listing Pickmon is heavily criticized for its blatant imitation of popular titles like Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, and Overwatch, going as far as to copy Palworld's designs. Despite its derivative nature, the game's developers have implemented a card-throwing mechanic instead of ball-catching to potentially avoid legal issues with Nintendo. The article questions the ethics of such shameless copying, even if it remains within legal boundaries.
John Wick and Space Marine 2 developer Saber Interactive had to reject "the coolest IP ever" twice, says chief creative officer
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits revealed that the studio has had to turn down offers to develop games based on highly desirable intellectual properties, including one described as "the coolest IP ever," twice. This is due to the studio's current heavy workload, which includes titles like John Wick, Space Marine 2, and Jurassic Park: Survival.
Master Chief actor calls out White House's use of Halo footage in "disgusting and juvenile war porn" propaganda
Steve Downes, the voice actor for Master Chief in Halo, has demanded the removal of his voice from a White House propaganda video that glorified the war in Iran. Downes stated he was not consulted and does not endorse the video's message, calling it "disgusting and juvenile war porn." The Pokémon Company also recently objected to the White House's use of its intellectual property in political content.
