Cases/Disputes – Page 12 – Video Game Law Blog

July 27, 2005November 6, 2006

Pandora’s Cube Pirate Sentenced

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland hands out a four-month jail sentence to an employee of Pandora’s Cube, a major retailer of pirated software and modified consoles in the Washington, DC area.

Sources: Next Generation | ign.com | Gamespot | Team Xbox | Softpedia

Related Posts:

Maryland Video Game Pirate Sentenced (September 16, 2005)
Pandor’s Cube Pirate Sentenced (July 27, 2005)
Xbox-Modding Retailers Plead Guilty to DMCA Violations (June 7, 2005)

July 26, 2005November 10, 2006

‘Hot Coffee’ FTC Inquiry Given Go Ahead

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted 355 to 21 to support a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiry into Take-Two Interactive/Rockstar Games, with the intention of discovering whether the company and its subsidiary attempted to deceive the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) over the sexual content of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to avoid an ‘Adults Only’ rating.

New York Investigation:

Take-Two Receives Subpoenas Over Hot Coffee (June 26, 2006)

LA Civil Suit:

Yet Another Take-Two/GTA Lawsuit (January 26, 2006)

FTC Investigation Related Posts:

Take-Two/Rockstar Settle with FTC over Hot Coffee Mod (June 8, 2006)
Hot Coffee FTC Inquiry Given Go Ahead (July 26, 2005)

Stanhouse Class Action Suit:

Stanhouse GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Moved to Federal Court (October 7, 2005)
Another GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Filed (Stanhouse) (September 21, 2005)

Cohen Class Action Suit:

Grandma Cohen’s GTA Class Action Suit Against Take-Two to Proceed (October 27, 2006)
Outraged Granny Sues Over grand Theft Auto (Cohen) (July 27, 2005)

Other Hot Coffee Related Posts:

ESRB Demands U.S. Game Publisher Audtis for Hidden Game Content (September 12, 2005)
ESRB Re-Rates Oblivion to Mature Following 3rd Party Mods (May 3, 2006)
Take-Two Filing Reveals Multiple Lawsuits (February 1, 2006)
Hot Coffee Spills into Australia as GTA:San Andreas is Banned (August 1, 2005)
GTA San Andreas Rerated AO, Take-Two Suspends Production (July 20, 2005)
Confirmed: ‘Hot Coffee’ Sex Minigame in PS2 GTA: San Andreas (July 15, 2005)

July 24, 2005March 18, 2008

Illinois Passes Violent & Explicit-Game Law, ESA Files Suit

Illinois Governor Rod. R. Blagojevich has signed into law the Safe Games Illinois Act, which prohibits the sale of violent and sexually explicit games to minors. The act was approved in May by the legislature, and has now been made official.

Sources: Gamasutra | 1Up.com | Gamespot | Illinois Governor’s Press Release | ESA Press Release

GamePolitics Full Coverage of Illinois Game Law

July 20, 2005November 10, 2006

GTA San Andreas Rerated AO, Take-Two Suspends Production

In the wake of the ‘hot coffee’ controversy, the ESRB slaps dreaded rating on controversial best seller. Take-Two lowers guidance; Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target pull game from shelves.

New York Investigation:

Take-Two Receives Subpoenas Over Hot Coffee (June 26, 2006)

LA Civil Suit:

Yet Another Take-Two/GTA Lawsuit (January 26, 2006)

FTC Investigation Related Posts:

Take-Two/Rockstar Settle with FTC over Hot Coffee Mod (June 8, 2006)
Hot Coffee FTC Inquiry Given Go Ahead (July 26, 2005)

Stanhouse Class Action Suit:

Stanhouse GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Moved to Federal Court (October 7, 2005)
Another GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Filed (Stanhouse) (September 21, 2005)

Cohen Class Action Suit:

Grandma Cohen’s GTA Class Action Suit Against Take-Two to Proceed (October 27, 2006)
Outraged Granny Sues Over grand Theft Auto (Cohen) (July 27, 2005)

Other Hot Coffee Related Posts:

Hot Coffee’s Effects on the Mod Scene (October 27, 2006)
ESRB Demands U.S. Game Publisher Audits for Hidden Game Content (September 12, 2005)
ESRB Re-Rates Oblivion to Mature Following 3rd Party Mods (May 3, 2006)
Take-Two Filing Reveals Multiple Lawsuits (February 1, 2006)
Hot Coffee Spills into Australia as GTA:San Andreas is Banned (August 1, 2005)
GTA San Andreas Rerated AO, Take-Two Suspends Production (July 20, 2005)
Confirmed: ‘Hot Coffee’ Sex Minigame in PS2 GTA: San Andreas (July 15, 2005)

July 20, 2005November 10, 2006

Sony Wins Another PSP Import Case Against Nuplayer

Sony Computer Entertainment has won a High Court injunction to prevent online store Nuplayer selling imported Japanese PSP consoles – but the retailer has hit back by taking pre-orders for European PSPs at a reduced price.

Sources: GameIndustry.biz | Channel Register

Related Posts:

Sony Wins U.K. Lik-Sang Grey Market Case – Lik-Sang Shuts Down (Oct 20-24, 2006)
Sony Sues Online Retailer for PSP Sale (August 8, 2005)
Sony Wins Another PSP Import Case Against Nuplayer (July 20, 2005)
Sony Wins Injunction Against PSP Importer ElectricBirdLand (June 27, 2005)
Sony and UK Retailer in Dispute over PSP Trademark Issues (June 3, 2005)

July 15, 2005November 10, 2006

Confirmed: ‘Hot Coffee’ Sex minigame in PS2 GTA: San Andreas

Cheat unlocks preexisting code in controversy-rocked Grand Theft Auto game, undermining Rockstar Games’ claims of hacker mischief.

Source: Gamespot

New York Investigation:

Take-Two Receives Subpoenas Over Hot Coffee (June 26, 2006)

LA Civil Suit:

Yet Another Take-Two/GTA Lawsuit (January 26, 2006)

FTC Investigation Related Posts:

Take-Two/Rockstar Settle with FTC over Hot Coffee Mod (June 8, 2006)
Hot Coffee FTC Inquiry Given Go Ahead (July 26, 2005)

Stanhouse Class Action Suit:

Stanhouse GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Moved to Federal Court (October 7, 2005)
Another GTA San Andreas Class-Action Suit Filed (Stanhouse) (September 21, 2005)

Cohen Class Action Suit:

Grandma Cohen’s GTA Class Action Suit Against Take-Two to Proceed (October 27, 2006)
Outraged Granny Sues Over grand Theft Auto (Cohen) (July 27, 2005)

Other Hot Coffee Related Posts:

Hot Coffee’s Effects on the Mod Scene (October 27, 2006)
ESRB Demands U.S. Game Publisher Audits for Hidden Game Content (September 12, 2005)
ESRB Re-rates Oblivion to Mature Following 3rd Party Mods (May 3, 2006)
Take-Two Filing Reveals Multiple Lawsuits (February 1, 2006)
Hot Coffee Spills into Australia as GTA:San Andreas is Banned (August 1, 2005)
GTA San Andreas Rerated AO, Take-Two Suspends Production (July 20, 2005)
Confirmed: ‘Hot Coffee’ Sex Minigame in PS2 GTA: San Andreas (July 15, 2005)

July 5, 2005

United Kingdom Convicts For XBox Modding Piracy

A 22 year old Cambridge university graduate has become the first ever person in the UK to be convicted for the illegal modification of video game consoles, alongside more conventional game piracy charges, following a trial at Caerphilly Magistrates Court in Wales.

Source: Gamasutra | BBC | Pocket-Lint

July 4, 2005November 6, 2006

ELSPA Announces Counterfeit GBA Game Crackdown

The UK’s ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association) has announced that a 40 year old Birmingham woman has been arrested for importing counterfeit Game Boy Advance cartridges and selling them on eBay.

Sources: Gamasutra | GameIndustry.biz

June 27, 2005November 10, 2006

Sony Wins Injunction Against PSP Importer ElectricBirdLand

Online retailer ElectricBirdLand ordered to stop selling handhelds with immediate effect

Sources: GameIndustry.biz | Channel Register

Related Posts:

Sony Wins U.K. Lik-Sang Grey Market Case – Lik-Sang Shuts Down (Oct 20-24, 2006)
Sony Sues Online Retailer for PSP Sale (August 8, 2005)
Sony Wins Another PSP Import Case Against Nuplayer (July 20, 2005)
Sony Wins Injunction Against PSP Importer ElectricBirdLand (June 27, 2005)
Sony and UK Retailer in Dispute over PSP Trademark Issues (June 3, 2005)

June 8, 2005March 17, 2008

Chinese Gamer Sentenced to Life

A Shanghai online gamer has been given a suspended death sentence for killing a fellow gamer. Qiu Chengwei stabbed Zhu Caoyuan in the chest when he found out he had sold his virtual sword for 7,200 Yuan (£473).

June 8, 2005November 4, 2006

Handheld Games Sues Tiger Telemeatics, Makers of the Gizmondo Portable Gaming System

Handheld Games seeks $75,000 in damages saying that neither the promised Gizmondo development kits nor the final master license agreement ever arrived.

Source: Gamasutra | GameIndustry.biz | TVG | Ferrago

Related Posts:

Gizmondo Europe to be Liquidated (February 7, 2006)
Gizmondo Europe Files for Bankruptcy Re-Organization (January 23, 2006)
Gizmondo May Hand over Smart Adds Inc. to Repay $21m Debt (January 16, 2006)
Gizmondo Settles Jordan Lawsuit, Raises New Capital (September 7, 2005)
Handheld Games Sues Tiger Telematics, Makers of the Gizmondo Portable Gaming System (June 8, 2005)

June 7, 2005November 6, 2006

Xbox-Modding Retailers Plead Guilty to DMCA Violations

Several retailers in Maryland have pleaded guilty to selling modified Xboxes, called “Super Xboxes” by the group, thereby violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The maximum penalty for first-time violators of the DMCA is five years in prison along with a $250,000 fine.

Source: Gamasutra
Related Posts:

Maryland Video Game Pirate Sentenced (September 16, 2005)
Pandor’s Cube Pirate Sentenced (July 27, 2005)
Xbox-Modding Retailers Plead Guilty to DMCA Violations (June 7, 2005)

June 3, 2005November 10, 2006

Sony and UK Retailer in Dispute over PSP Trademark Issues

Disgruntled U.K. PSP retailer ElectricBirdLand responds to Sony Cease and Desist order instructing retailers to stop selling imported PSPs on the grounds that this infringes trademarks while Sony works to secure the rights to the PSP trademark in the U.K.

Sources: GameIndustry.biz | The Register | Channel Register | XBox Solution

Related Posts:

Sony Wins U.K. Lik-Sang Grey Market Case – Lik-Sang Shuts Down (Oct 20-24, 2006)
Sony Sues Online Retailer for PSP Sale (August 8, 2005)
Sony Wins Another PSP Import Case Against Nuplayer (July 20, 2005)
Sony Wins Injunction Against PSP Importer ElectricBirdLand (June 27, 2005)
Sony and UK Retailer in Dispute over PSP Trademark Issues (June 3, 2005)

May 18, 2005November 6, 2006

Play It Wins Injunction Against I-Play

In a passing off claim, UK publisher Play It has been granted an interim injunction against I-Play, preventing the firm – which previously operated under the name of Digital Bridges – from using its new company logo.

Sources GameIndustry.biz | Play-It’s Press Release | Practical Law Co. | Midlet Review

Related Posts:

Play It Wins Injunction Against I-Play (May 18, 2005)
Play it Applies for Injunction Against I-Play (April 18, 2005)
Play it Calls Lawyers over Digital Bridges Rebranding (April 8, 2005)

May 18, 2005November 6, 2006

Tecmo’s Nude Volleyball Lawsuit is More Dead than Alive

NinjaHacker.net reportedly settled with Tecmo. The case was dismissed, with leave to reinstate if the settlement is not finalized.

Sources: ars technica | Gamasutra | Wired

Related Posts:

Tecmo’s Nude Volleyball Lawsuit is More Dead than Alive (May 18, 2005)
Tecmo Sues Hackers Over XBox Game Modifications (February 9, 2005)

May 12, 2005November 9, 2006

Konami Files Lawsuit Against Roxor Over Dance Game

Dance Dance Revolution creator Konami has filed a complaint in the Eastern District of Texas against Roxor Games, Inc., asking the court to grant an injunction and damages against Roxor’s In The Groove dance game alleging trademark dilution, unfair competition and patent infringement.

Sources: Gamasutra | EuroGamer | GameIndustry.biz | Konami Press Release | Wikipedia Coverage

Related Posts:

Konami Settles with Roxor – ‘In the Groove’ IP Transfered to Konami (October 19, 2006)
Konami Files Lawsuit Against Roxor Over Dance Game (May 12, 2005)

May 9, 2005March 17, 2008

Radica Settles Immersion Force Feedback Patent Suit

Text of Immersion Patent
Following Microsoft and others, Radica settles with Immersion. The settlement covers past royalties and related legal costs in the quarter amounting to $250,000.

Source: Gamasutra

April 29, 2005November 1, 2006

Valve & Vivendi Universal Settle Distribution Dispute

The settlement provides for a complete severing of the publisher/developer link. Under VU Games is required to cease distribution of Valve’s games – up to and including Half-Life 2, and Valve properties developed by other companies, such as Counter-Strike Condition Zero – on August 31st.

Related Posts:

Valve & Vivendi Universal Settle Dispute (April 29, 2005)
Vivendi Barred from Distributing Valve Games in Cyber Cafes (November 29, 2004)
Valve and Vivendi Sue and Counter-sue Over Distribution Agreement (September 20, 2004)

April 18, 2005November 6, 2006

Play It Applies for Injunction Against I-Play

The Publisher formerly known as Digital Bridges faces legal battle over name change.

Source: GameIndustry.biz

Related Posts:

Play It Wins Injunction Against I-Play (May 18, 2005)
Play it Applies for Injunction Against I-Play (April 18, 2005)
Play it Calls Lawyers over Digital Bridges Rebranding (April 8, 2005)

April 13, 2005

Alleged Game Pirates Nabbed in Nintendo sting

More than 60,000 pirated copies of Nintendo Co. game consoles were seized Wednesday during raids in New York and New Jersey, prosecutors announced.

Sources: MSNBC | Always On | Gaming Age | DreamStation.cc

April 8, 2005November 6, 2006

Play It Calls in Lawyers over Digital Bridges Rebranding

The Play It group has confirmed that it is seeking legal advice following Digital Bridges‘ decision to rebrand itself under the name ‘I-Play’. I-play is adamant that that it is not infringing Play-It’s Rights.

Sources: GameIndustry.biz | Gamespot | Guardian Unlimited | PGNX Media

Related Posts:

Play It Wins Injunction Against I-Play (May 18, 2005)
Play it Applies for Injunction Against I-Play (April 18, 2005)
Play it Calls Lawyers over Digital Bridges Rebranding (April 8, 2005)

March 31, 2005March 17, 2008

In-Game Virtual Property ‘Theft’ Lead to Fatal Attack

Shanghai gamer Qiu Chengwei killed player Zhu Caoyuan when he discovered he had sold a “dragon sabre” he had been loaned, while playing the online game Legends of Mir 3. Before the attack Mr Chengwei told police about the theft who said the weapon was not real property and took no action.

March 25, 2005March 17, 2008

Sony Appeals Immersion Suit, Wins Stay on Injunction

Text of Immersion Patent
Following the January decision against Sony in Immersion Corp’s lawsuit, which alleged that Sony had violated its patents on force-feedback mechanisms with the Dual Shock controller, Sony is appealing the decision to the Federal court.

Sources: Gamasutra | CNet

March 16, 2005March 17, 2008

Sony Plans New Legal Challenge to Mod Chips in Australia

Changes to copyright laws in Australia to implement its free trade agreement with the United States have opened the door for a fresh legal challenge to mod chips, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Australia, which has instructed its lawyers to prepare a new case against the devices.

Source: GameIndustry.biz

March 14, 2005October 29, 2006

Activision, Viacom Settle Star Trek License Lawsuit

Activision and licensor Viacom jointly announcing that they have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Star Trek video game license. The terms of the settlement were kept confidential but both parties say they intend to work together on future projects.

[Jan 25, 2006 Update: They didn’t! They went their separate ways when Bethesda acquired the Star Trek License.]

Related Posts:

Bethesda Acquires Star Trek License After High Profile License Dispute (January 25, 2006)
Activision, Viacom Settle Star Trek License Lawsuit (March 14, 2005)
Activision Sues Viacom Over Lack of Decent Star Trek License (July 1, 2003)