The lights are on
John Beiswenger, author of "Link," has taken Ubisoft to court over claims the publisher lifted story ideas from his novel to create the Assassin's Creed universe.
The complaint, which was filed earlier this week in a Pennsylvania court, outlines many of the similarities between the book and the game. In "Link," the plot introduces the conception and creation "of a device and process whereby ancestral memories can be accessed, recalled, relived, and re-experienced by the user."
Both also include spiritual and religious tones, assassinations, and characters experiencing historical events through their ancestors’ memories. "Ubisoft have directly copied, and directly and contributorily infringed on the whole of Plaintiff’s copyrighted work," the lawsuit claims. "Link" was first published in 2003.
Beiswenger is seeking 1.05 million in damages and up to $5.25 million if the judge rules Ubisoft knowingly infringed on the copyright, in addition to halting the release of Assassin's Creed III and related products.
Ubisoft said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.
The complaint in PDF form can be read here.
[via Patent Arcade]
wow
I feel like this guy will catch a lot of flak from the gaming community for delaying a highly anticipated title, if this comes to fruition. Even if he is actually within his rights
I think the only solution is for Beiswenger to don a hood and hidden blade and systematically take out Ubisoft for their conspiracy.
He just now realized that his idea is very popular in the gaming culture?I'd be pretty pissed to if I just found out that the book I wrote that no one bought is selling very well in video game form and haven't even seen a penny from it.
Please Ubisoft.
Just cut him a check and walk away.
If he demands more or a delay, put his name in the credits as a "inspiration".
I don't want to have to deal with more people frustrated with the fact that it won't be out until even later. They're already anxious enough for October to roll around, as am I >_>
Apparently this guy knows nothing of the "Infinite Monkey Theory. "
$1 million in damages and up to $5 if they knew about it? Just pay the man to make him go away ubisoft. You'll make that back up in hour 1 sales of Assassins Creed 3
I wouldn't doubt his book is a collection of ideas from other books. Good luck fining anything in this world that is actually genuine and uique at this point.
I think the main points of argument will be:
1: The method in which the apperatus in question allows the protagonist(s) to experience past, memories, and how many similarities (if any) they share
2: Does the plot of the book by the accusing party use major points in history to tell the story, such as that i. The accused's property.
Should be interesting, regardless. I think I smell an out pf court settlement.
Who cares ubisoft will win because of that's how big companies work.