By Stevie Smith Feb 13, 2008, 12:52 GMT
Courtroom shenanigans have reared up in the gaming world this week, with renowned third-party developer and publisher Ubisoft emerging triumphant and smelling of roses following a bitter session of legalese manure slinging with Bratz owners MGA Entertainment.
Ubisoft takes $13.2 million USD away from Bratz battle with MGA Entertainment. Credit: MGA.
Indeed, whiffing of roses to the tune of $13.2 million USD, Ubisoft’s positive outcome was awarded in a copyright and trademark infringement suit that stemmed from MGA illegally altering a licensing agreement it signed with Ubisoft in 2002 that covered the use of the Bratz franchise in Ubisoft’s videogames.
GamesIndustry reports that relations between the two companies broke down in 2003 when MGA Entertainment attempted to renegotiate the licensing agreement, terminating the license “without cause and on pretextual grounds.”
Initially, MGA moved to sue Ubisoft following the games creator’s refusal to bow to its demands. Ubisoft later countered with accusations of breach of contract.
The case eventually shifted into arbitration, with the arbitrator finding in Ubisoft’s favour and awarding the company more than $13 million USD to cover profit damages, attorney charges and accrued interest.
“We are thrilled with the result, and we feel completely vindicated,” enthused Ubisoft’s general counsel in the case Cecile Russeil. “We could not have achieved this outcome without attorneys who mastered every aspect of the case, and thoroughly understood our video gaming business.”
The ruling was confirmed by the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Although the courtroom tussle is officially over, it's unlikely Ubisoft will ever release another Bratz videogame, not least because the license has moved on to THQ. So, um, wouldn’t hold your breath on that one, kids
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