Intellectual Property
Ongoing coverage on Intellectual Property.
Latest coverage
‘It Would Shock the World’ — John Wick and Space Marine 2 Dev Teases ‘Coolest IP Ever’ It’s Had to Turn Down Twice - IGN
Tim Willits, chief creative officer at Saber Interactive, revealed that he has turned down the opportunity to develop a game based on a highly desirable intellectual property twice due to the studio's packed development schedule. Saber Interactive, known for adapting existing IPs like John Wick and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, has seen an increase in media companies approaching them with game pitches due to their success in respecting and adapting licenses.
Master Chief Actor Steve Downes Hits Out at the White House for Use of His Voice in ‘Disgusting and Juvenile' Social Media Video - IGN
Steve Downes, the voice actor for Master Chief in the Halo series, has publicly demanded the White House remove his voice from a social media video he deemed "disgusting and juvenile war porn." Downes stated he did not consent to or endorse the video's message, which spliced his iconic line with war footage and clips from other media. This incident follows previous instances of the White House using popular intellectual property for social media content, including from Microsoft and The Pokémon Company.
John Wick, Warhammer 40K Dev Says It Had To Reject Mysterious IP Twice: "It Would Shock The World"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits revealed that the company has twice rejected a mysterious intellectual property for a game adaptation, stating it would 'shock the world.' While unable to name the IP, Willits confirmed Saber is currently developing a John Wick game starring Keanu Reeves and has previously worked on franchises like Warhammer 40K and World War Z.
Artist Embroiled in Marathon Art Theft Scandal Credited as Visual Design Consultant
Bungie has credited artist Fern Hook, also known as Antireal, as a Visual Design Consultant for the game Marathon, following a dispute over art asset usage. The studio conducted a review after it was found that assets created by Hook were used without proper credit or consultation. The issue has since been resolved to Hook's satisfaction, with the terms of compensation remaining undisclosed.
The Pokémon Company criticises Trump administration's use of its imagery in political memes, says Pokémon is apolitical, Trump spokesman uses decade-old Clinton post to accuse them of bias
The Pokémon Company International has criticized the Trump administration for using its imagery in political memes without permission, stating the brand is apolitical. In response, a White House spokesman accused the company of bias by referencing past instances of Hillary Clinton's campaign using Pokémon Go for voter registration.
Artist whose work was used in Marathon without permission now has a credit in the game
Artist Fern "Antireal" Hook, whose work was used in Marathon without permission, has been credited as a visual design consultant in the game's final release. Following an investigation and resolution with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment, Hook's name appears in the credits. Marathon recently launched on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Unsurprisingly, The Pokémon Company isn't a fan of the White House's use of a Pokopia meme for political means
The Pokémon Company has issued a statement objecting to the Trump administration's use of a Pokémon Pokopia meme for political purposes. The company clarified that it did not grant permission for its intellectual property to be used in this manner and emphasized that its mission to bring the world together is not affiliated with any political agenda. Footage from Call of Duty was also recently used in a White House video, drawing criticism from a co-founder of Infinity Ward.
Marathon's credits include the artist whose work Bungie used without permission
The credits for Bungie's newly released game Marathon list Fern 'Antireal' Hook as a visual design consultant, an artist whose work Bungie previously used without permission. Hook confirmed the situation has been resolved to her satisfaction, with Bungie stating they are auditing internal processes to prevent future occurrences of unauthorized art usage.
Pokemon Company issues statement after White House uses IP in social media post
The Pokemon Company issued a statement clarifying its non-involvement and lack of permission for the White House's use of its intellectual property in a social media meme featuring Pokemon Pokopia. The company emphasized that its mission to unite the world is not affiliated with any political agenda.
The Pokémon Company Issues Response To The White House's Pokopia Meme
The Pokémon Company has issued a statement regarding the White House's use of the "Pokémon Pokopia" font generator for a "make america great again" meme. A spokesperson confirmed that no permission was granted for the use of their intellectual property and that the company is not affiliated with any political viewpoint. This follows a similar incident in September 2025 where the Department of Homeland Security used Pokémon anime imagery in a recruitment video without permission.
The Pokémon Company Issues Another Objection After the Trump Administration Used Its IP for Political Meme — Again - IGN
The Pokémon Company has issued an official objection after the White House used imagery associated with its brand for a political meme. This marks the second time the company has pushed back against the Trump administration's use of its intellectual property for social content without permission. The company stated it was not involved in the creation or distribution of the meme and did not grant permission for its use.
Marathon Credits Artist Who Claimed Bungie Stole Their Art
Bungie has credited artist Fern Hook, also known as Antireal, in the newly released Marathon game, following an art theft allegation settlement. Hook had claimed Bungie used their designs without permission, a dispute that was resolved to Hook's satisfaction in late 2025. Marathon is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Pokémon Company responds to White House using Pokopia to make cringe MAGA tweet
The Pokémon Company has responded to backlash after the White House used the trending "Pokopia" font to share a "Make America Great Again" tweet. The company stated they were not involved in the creation or distribution of the tweet and did not grant permission for the use of their intellectual property, emphasizing their mission to unite the world and not affiliate with any political viewpoint.
Pokemon Company issues statement after White House uses Pokemon Pokpia in meme
The Pokemon Company issued a statement clarifying that it did not grant permission for the use of its intellectual property, specifically imagery associated with Pokemon Pokopia, in a political meme. A company spokeswoman confirmed that the creation and distribution of the meme were not authorized and that the company's mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint.
Fortnite producer who leaked Kingdom Hearts and He-Man collabs sued by Epic
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, identified as the source of numerous Fortnite leaks, including potential collaborations with Kingdom Hearts and He-Man. Cohen allegedly leaked confidential partner intellectual property and trade secrets while working for Epic. The company stated that such leaks harm partners and jeopardize future collaborations.
Fortnite leaker actually worked for Epic Games, according to new lawsuit
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, who allegedly leaked confidential and unannounced Fortnite content. Cohen, who worked as an associate producer, is accused of violating a non-disclosure agreement by sharing details about upcoming collaborations on social media. Epic Games is seeking damages for trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract.
The Pokemon Company Pushes Back Against Trump Administration's Latest Pokemon Meme
The Pokemon Company International has issued a statement clarifying that they did not grant permission for the White House to use their intellectual property in recent social media content. This follows the Trump administration sharing a meme featuring the Pokemon Pokopia font and imagery. This is the second instance of the White House using Pokemon imagery without authorization.
Sony's Silence On Bloodborne May Be About Respect, Not Strategy
Sony has reportedly refrained from pursuing a Bloodborne remake due to a desire to maintain a strong relationship with FromSoftware and its president, Hidetaka Miyazaki. While a remake could be financially lucrative, Sony may be prioritizing its future collaborations with the acclaimed developer, who has expressed a desire for no one else to touch the game. This speculation aligns with past statements from former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida.
Paramount makes no reference to game studios in first WB call to investors
Paramount held its first investor call following its acquisition of Warner Bros., but did not mention the gaming divisions of either company. Executives focused on consolidating assets and the impact on the entertainment industry, despite discussions of intellectual property that overlaps with Warner Bros. Games' core franchises. Warner Bros. Games recently announced a refocus on four key franchises: Hogwarts Legacy, Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC.
UK games collector raided by police after purchasing £10,000 worth of hardware, including old dev kits, disposed…
A London-based collector, Darius Khan, was raided by UK police after purchasing approximately £10,000 worth of discarded Sega hardware, including development kits. The police alleged the dev kits were stolen, though Khan has not been charged. The incident highlights the challenges in video game preservation and corporate intellectual property protection.
