14 DAY TRIAL // Usually things are completely different, with different individuals suing the big publishers for all kinds of reasons - and some of them are just poor attempts to gain some fame and some extra bucks. Well, this time we have another case and it's definitely not for the extra income (even though, at one point, it's still about the money): Square Enix, publisher of the successful Final Fantasy franchise has filed a federal lawsuit against alleged infringers of SE's intellectual property.
According to gameindustry.biz, the suit specifically names the sales of replica swords inspired from four FF games and one CG-animated movie by different retailers. The lawsuit, made in cooperation with the US Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol has been filed in the Central District of California against the shops that didn't want to cooperate with the publishers.
"We are actively pursuing those who commit intellectual property infringement against our company," said Yasuhiko Hasegawa, Square Enix's general counsel. "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."
Still, as a further proof of the fact that the company doesn't need the money from the retailers and really wants to keep the situation under control, as it should be, we have reports that Square Enix has reached confidential settlements with other retailers of similar products. Indeed, some substantial fees were paid, but that's what should happen when illegal things are involved, right?
Even more, showing maximum caution, the company's reps said that they appreciate their fans and understand their desire to have different Final Fantasy-inspired items, but allowing replicas and other "fake" items to be sold could eventually stop the company from creating more products. And I totally agree with this decision.