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Square Enix Launches Lawsuit Over Counterfeit Final Fantasy Swords

By Chris Bennett, Tudor Carsten, Michael R. Coburn, Sarah Dale-Harris, Pablo Guzman, Danielle (Dani) Lemon, Chris Metcalfe and David Spratley

Square Enix, the Tokyo-based creator of the Final Fantasy franchise, has filed a federal lawsuit for copyright infringement against four wholesalers whom Square Enix claims were selling unlicensed replicas of the swords used in the Final Fantasy games. The lawsuit is a result of the seizure of a crate of counterfeit swords by the US Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol.

This lawsuit, filed in the Central District of California on February 12, follows multiple confidential settlements with various retailers of similar infringing items, each of which involved the payment of a substantial financial penalty. Additional defendants may be added to this lawsuit.

In a statement, Yasuhiko Hasegawa, Square Enix's General Counsel, said: "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 jewellery, 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."

Coverage here (GameDaily)

Contributed by Michael Mjanes, articled student.

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Full post as published by Video Game Law Blog on February 14, 2008 (boomark / email).