Intellectual Property
Ongoing coverage on Intellectual Property.
Latest coverage
SEGA UNIVERSE Initiative Announced to Highlight Legacy Franchises
Sega has announced SEGA UNIVERSE, a new initiative aimed at revitalizing and highlighting its legacy intellectual properties under the concept "NO OLD, STAY GOLD." While specific projects have not yet been detailed, the initiative will focus on carrying forward classic franchises like Fantasy Zone, Out Run, Streets of Rage, and Sakura Wars, many of which are celebrating significant anniversaries in 2026.
SEGA to Revive Old IP Like Outrun, Street of Rage, and NiGHTS in New SEGA Universe Project
SEGA is launching a new initiative called SEGA Universe to celebrate its legacy intellectual properties, with several classic franchises like Outrun, Streets of Rage, and NiGHTS set to receive anniversary projects. While not all projects will be new games, SEGA aims to share new ways to enjoy these beloved titles across various forms of entertainment, including games, film, and music.
SEGA UNIVERSE initiative announced, spotlighting legacy IP with anniversary projects
SEGA has announced the SEGA UNIVERSE initiative, which aims to highlight its legacy intellectual properties through anniversary projects. This initiative will focus on revitalizing and celebrating SEGA's classic game franchises.
'IP That Will Captivate the World': A New Juggernaut Has Just Entered Japanese Game Publishing
Toei, a major Japanese entertainment company known for anime like Dragon Ball and One Piece, has launched a new video game publishing arm called Toei Games. Initially focusing on PC releases via Steam, the company plans to expand to consoles and aims to create entirely new intellectual properties rather than relying on existing ones. Toei Games will collaborate with both Japanese and global developers to establish itself as a new pillar of the company's entertainment business.
Sanrio launches self-publishing label Sanrio Games
Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, has launched its own self-publishing label, Sanrio Games, aiming to release approximately 10 titles over the next three years. The first game, Sanrio Party Land, is a party game scheduled for a global release in fall 2026 on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This initiative is part of Sanrio's long-term vision to become a global IP platform provider, with games serving as a core pillar for expanding its intellectual property and creating integrated experiences.
Dragon Ball and Digimon producer Toei announces Toei Games, focusing on new IPs first
Toei Company, known for anime like Dragon Ball and Digimon, has launched Toei Games. The new publisher will focus on creating entirely new intellectual properties from scratch, rather than using existing franchises. Initial releases will be on PC via Steam, with console versions to follow.
Sanrio establishes in-house gaming brand Sanrio Games
Sanrio, the creator of Hello Kitty, has launched its own in-house gaming brand, Sanrio Games, with plans to release ten titles over the next three years. The first game, Sanrio Party Land, is scheduled for an autumn 2026 release on Nintendo Switch, with further investment planned for development and marketing. This move aims to create new intellectual property and expand Sanrio's character IP into new markets, particularly North America.
Toei Company establishes Toei Games
Toei Company has established Toei Games, a new in-house video game publishing brand. The company plans to release original intellectual properties for PC via Steam in 2026, with future expansion to consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The first title under the Toei Games brand will be announced on April 24.
Open-Source Cultist Simulator game launches demo, kickstarter, thanks to unique & permissive license
The narrative strategy game The Matter of Being, set in the Cultist Simulator universe, has launched a demo and a Kickstarter campaign. Developed by Common Logic under Weather Factory's permissive license, the game allows players to act as an otherworldly spirit. If the Kickstarter reaches $100,000, all game assets will be released for commercial use under the same license.
Blizzard Shuts Down Popular WoW Private Server Stormforge
Blizzard Entertainment has shut down the popular World of Warcraft private server Stormforge following legal action. The server operators announced the closure after receiving a Cease and Desist request, noting 'positive discussions' with Blizzard's legal team. This action is part of Blizzard's broader effort to protect its intellectual property and maintain control over its game's ecosystem.
Apple avoids a second import ban for its redesigned smartwatches in latest court ruling
Apple has successfully avoided a second import ban on its redesigned smartwatches following a ruling by the US International Trade Commission. The agency terminated the case, siding with Apple and allowing the continued sale of devices with reworked blood-oxygen monitoring technology, which Masimo had claimed infringed on its patents.
Evening Metaverse
Japan's Foreign Minister made comments regarding White House tweets that referenced Nintendo intellectual property. Separately, Amazon will no longer release Fire TV Sticks that support sideloading applications.
Pickmos, aka Pickmon, exits Steam to ensure ‘a controversy-free experience,’ says publisher
The multiplayer creature capturing survival sandbox Pickmos, previously known as Pickmon, has had its Steam store page removed following significant negative community reaction. Publisher Networkgo has intervened in development to ensure a controversy-free experience, with the team now revising the game under supervision.
Patent Tycoon Launches on Steam: Business Sim Makes IP Your Weapon
The business simulation game Patent Tycoon has launched on Steam, focusing on intellectual property as a core gameplay mechanic. Players develop technologies, secure patents, and engage in licensing, negotiation, and legal battles to grow their companies. The game aims to provide a unique experience by making abstract concepts like patents the primary focus, differentiating it from traditional management sims.
AVISI Apresiasi Langkah Komdigi Tangani 4,1 Juta Konten Negatif
The Indonesian Video Streaming Association (AVISI) commends the Ministry of Communication and Digital for successfully handling over 4.1 million negative digital content cases between October 2024 and April 2026. The majority of these cases involved online gambling, followed by pornography and fraud. This initiative is seen as crucial for protecting the digital space, combating piracy, and safeguarding intellectual property rights within the creative industry.
Pokémon & Zelda Rip-Off 'Pickmos' Removed From Steam As Publisher Intervenes
The game Pickmos, developed by PocketGame and published by Networkgo, has been removed from Steam due to accusations of ripping off designs from Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Palworld. Networkgo has intervened in the development process to ensure a controversy-free experience, with PocketGame revising the game for a potential re-release after publisher approval.
Ubisoft union workers agree settlement, legal advice for game devs, and is Xbox Game Pass too expensive? - Patch Notes #48
Union workers at the shuttered Ubisoft Halifax studio have reached a confidential settlement. Xbox's new gaming chief, Asha Sharma, reportedly believes Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive. Additionally, the article touches on the winding down of Ludum Dare, a potential Fortnite extraction shooter with Disney characters, Roblox's new age-based accounts, Among Us surpassing one billion downloads, legal advice for game developers regarding generative AI and IP, and the upcoming Playdate Season 3.
Pokemon-Palworld Clone Pickmos Pulled From Steam As Publisher Promise "Controversy-Free" Rework
The game Pickmos, developed by PocketGame and published by Networkgo, has been removed from Steam due to accusations of heavily copying Pokemon and Palworld. Publisher Networkgo has intervened in development to ensure a "controversy-free" rework, with the game expected to be re-released after revisions. Nintendo's history of protecting its Pokemon intellectual property was also cited as a concern.
Shameless Palworld imitator Pickmos removed from Steam after publisher 'officially intervenes' in development:…
The game Pickmos, a clear imitation of Palworld and Pokémon, has been removed from Steam after its publisher, NetworkGo, intervened in its development. NetworkGo stated they will supervise the developer, PocketGame, to improve the game and ensure a controversy-free experience. The game was also recently renamed from Pickmon to Pickmos.
MMO Business Roundup: Steam price tracking, copycat games, and Krafton’s Subnautica 2 role
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Valve's potential Steam price tracking feature and accusations of copycat game design against Hoyoverse's Genshin Impact and a Nintendo Switch title related to Hytale. Krafton also clarified its role in supporting the early access launch of Subnautica 2.