Find the trademarks in this picture.
Earlier in the week, the online publication, IGN, received a cease and desist order from Harmony Gold. This is the same company that owns the co-copyright for the Robotech franchise. The letter basically states that certain use of trademarked figures from Robotech (also known as Macross in Japan) is prohibited because of a previous settlement in 1996.
So how does this figure in with MechWarrior? Apparently, some of the vehicles used in the announcement trailer for the franchise reboot of MechWarrior had similarities with the mechs used in Robotech/Macross. And since those figures are trademarked, it’s a violation of the settlement. IGN has also been asked to remove any and all trailers that has to do with the new MechWarrior.
This legal issue could put the future of MechWarrior in limbo and halt the development process. Hopefully, only certain trademarked items will be removed from the game when it gets released to the masses.
IGN contacted Smith and Tinker, the company that holds the license to MechWarrior, and a spokesman stated that “We have no comment on the situation at this time.” Whatever the case, if there is a problem, then hopefully there will be a fair resolution. Check out previous coverage of the new Mechwarrior here.
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