Japanese Online Game Maker Loses Key Copyright Lawsuit Against Rival

摘要

In a decision that could have potential long-term ramifications for global software manufacturers, Japan's Intellectual Property High Court on August 8 ruled that a portion of an online fishing game by developer GREE, Inc of Tokyo, was "a mundane expression" that does not warrant its claim of copyright infringement by a part of a similar game by rival DeNA, Inc. Justice Makiko Takabe said in her decision that in order for GREE's fishing game "Tsuri-Sta" ("Fishing Star") to successfully sustain a claim for copyright infringement, the game's essential elements must have been reflected in the defendant's game, called "Tsuri-ge-Town2".