Epic Games vs. Fan Art
As a Christmas gift to his cousin, Emilio Lopez took a Munny (a blank, 7-inch piece of plastic from designer toy outlet Kidrobot) and made it into a character from said cousin’s favorite game. Lopez then posted it on the internet, inspiring awe from video game fans, toy collectors and artists alike. However, QJ.net reported that Epic Games recently sent him a scary cease-and-desist letter:
It has recently been brought to Epic’s attention that you have created at least one Gears of War “Munny” doll and a package for the doll. This letter serves to place you on notice that your unauthorized use of Epic’s trademarks on your website, the doll, and the packaging for the doll constitutes actionable violations of both federal and state laws and further serves to place you on notice that Epic will move aggressively to protect its rights in its intellectual property.
Yikes. Does it make sense to send a cease-and-desist order to someone who made a non-profit, do-it-yourself Christmas gift? (Maybe he had ads on his site?) QJ.net’s Mike L. ponders the reasoning behind it and brings up a good point -- that there may be officially licensed Gears of War toys on the way. Or perhaps Epic Games just doesn't want us to have our way with Marcus Fenix...
Emilio Lopez GoW Munny [Emilio Lopez's Website]
[via QJ.net]
UPDATE: Gamespy's Planet Gears of War site alerted Epic Games Vice President Mark Rein of the situation and he apologizes! (Thanks Paul!)
Lazy Panda
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 10 March 2007
· Comments (7)
Other stuff like this: cease and desist, emilio lopez, epic games, fan art, gears of war, kidrobot, marcus fenix, mark rein, munny
It's not like he was selling them...
Hmm...now another thing to tell customers why Gears of War sucks ass. PR ftw!
Wow!
Sounds like Epic Games needs to get the big iron rods out of their collective asses.
Face to face with epic games, I'd tell them that was a bitch move, and suggest that their mother is a prostitute.
Too many lawyers having to prove they're needed. Roaches..um...I mean Lawyers need to all be shot to the nearest burning star. Nuff said!
John, you shut your mouth there boy!
Phoenix Wright is a fine lawyer. XD
Update:
http://kotaku.com/gaming/gears-of-war/mark-rein-weighs-in-on-the-gears-munny-situation-243233.php
Mark Rein admits that their legal department screwed up.