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]
What. An. Ass.
-And he decided to sue right when the series gained my interest again.
AQHAHAHA if it predates assassins creed and that stuff this article points out it has, it does look a bit suspicious . I did think it was a nifty idea they came up with but does seem like they may have JACKED IT. AHAHA
His stories are about religious pseudeoscience, and the books he's written don't even warrant wikipedia pages. In my opinion, not a serious threat.
Well if they copied him he should get the money.
Thumbs up, maybe if AC isn't around people will buy Rayman Origins...
-Not Michel Ancel
This guy is an idiot, you could probably claim that for a billion different stories out there. Hell, almost all of sci-fi could sue each other since their so damn similar.
He's not going to win.
Thats like saying Star Wars and Star Trek copied one another for flying ships in space.
What a ***, really you halt AC3 and all ubisoft projects because your insecure that Assassins Creed is making more money then Link. Get over it, ideas are copied all the time.
Oh just give him like half a mil and tell him to shut up.
Ubisoft, if you infringed a copyright I'm gonna be really mad...