Upper Deck Entertainment just announced through an official statement that they are suing Ravensburger over stealing their designs for Lorcana.
In a recent legal filing by Upper Deck, the renowned game design company, has accused Ravensburger of stealing their contracted designer, Ryan Miller, along with the intellectual property of their upcoming flagship game Rush of Ikorr. The filing reveals that Miller was working under an exclusive contract with Upper Deck, receiving substantial compensation, when Ravensburger allegedly enticed him away.
According to the filing, in October 2020, Ryan Miller abruptly terminated his contract with Upper Deck, having clandestine meetings with Ravensburger to join their team and design a game called Disney Lorcana, which bore striking similarities to Rush of Ikorr. Soon after Upper Deck filed for patents on their game mechanics, Ravensburger made a public announcement about Disney Lorcana.
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, stating that the case might not be straightforward, as game mechanics typically fall outside the scope of copyright protection. However, the repercussions could prove significant for both parties involved. Upper Deck’s lawsuit not only seeks to protect their intellectual property rights but also aims to tarnish the Lorcana brand, regardless of the outcome.
The potential consequences of this legal battle extend beyond the courtroom. In the wake of the lawsuit, Disney, a licensing partner of Ravensburger, could be swayed by the negative publicity and choose to sever ties with the company. This could lead to a cascade effect, possibly resulting in the termination of license agreements between Disney and Ravensburger for various products, including puzzles and the popular Villainous line of board games.
The outcome of this lawsuit will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry, testing the boundaries of copyright protection and underscoring the importance of upholding contractual obligations. Both Upper Deck and Ravensburger find themselves in a legal battle that could reshape the future of their respective brands and the wider gaming landscape.
Read more and discuss on the Lorcana Discord
