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Report: Capcom Is Suing Koei Tecmo Over Older Dynasty Warriors Games
Capcom is suing Dynasty Warriors publisher Koei Tecmo for patent infringement, according to new report. The matter concerns a Capcom-held patent filed in 2002 that details how users can import content from one disc-based piece of software to another.
A similar feature was found in a number of Musou games dating back to Dynasty Warriors 3: Xtreme Legends (2002). The import feature allowed users to combine the content of the original game, with the new material found in the Xtreme Legends version to create a complete experience.
Capcom seeks an award totaling between 5 percent and 10 percent of the ¥980 million ($9.4 million) Koei Tecmo earned on titles that use the feature. Capcom has also asked for an injunction on allegedly infringing titles. If granted its request, Capcom would be due between $470,000 and and $940,000.
We’ve reached out to Capcom and Koei Tecmo for comment. We’ll update should we receive responses.
[Source: Sankei via Siliconera]
Our Take
The licensing fee stakes aren’t terribly high, but the implications for Capcom, Koei Tecmo, and other publishers if the patent is upheld could be very significant. Most content unlocks in expansions or subsequent titles are handled digitally now, but if Capcom wins, it could mine publisher libraries and take the fight to other companies.
Koei does have one ace up its sleeve: Tecmo’s Monster Rancher. If you recall, this series of games used other forms of media (games, compact discs) to generate characters. The publisher could convince the court that it used similar technology that pre-dates the 2002 patent.
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