Square Enix Cuts Back on Sword Replicas
Posted in Intellectual Property, New Complaint, Square Enix
Oh, poor cosplayers and social outcasts of the world! RPG mega-producer Square Enix recently filed suit in a United States District Court against several replica sword wholesalers for infringing on a number of Square Enix-held IPs. The lawsuit alleges that four wholesalers are guilty of distributing a series of replica swords based on weapons used in Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series of games and movies.
The lawsuit began when a crate of unlicensed replica swords was seized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the cooperation of Square Enix. After attempts to cooperate with the wholesalers were refused, Square Enix filed suit in the Central District of California and stated that additional defendants may be named in the future.
On the lawsuit, Square Enix general counsel Yasuhiko Hasegawa commented:
We are actively pursuing those who commit intellectual property infringement against our company. Any illegal activities, including the sale and distribution of unauthorized replica merchandise and counterfeit jewelry, and the unauthorized copying of Square Enix games, music, movies, images, and other intellectual property, will be prosecuted. While Square Enix appreciates the enthusiasm of its fans, and values its relationship with them, it is also obligated to protect its intellectual property rights or risk weakening or losing the very rights that enable the company to continue to provide its fans with an exciting entertainment experience.
Story from: Gamasutra
What is this guy to do??
