UPDATE: We have received a brief statement from Cloud Imperium Games about the recently filed legal documentation by Crytek:
From CIG…
We are aware of the Crytek complaint having been filed in the US District Court. CIG hasn’t used the CryEngine for quite some time since we switched to Amazon’s Lumberyard. This is a meritless lawsuit that we will defend vigorously against, including recovering from Crytek any costs incurred in this matter.
ORIGINAL STORY:
In a new twist in the always entertaining Star Citizen drama, Crytek has filed paperwork in California's Central District Court alleging that Cloud Imperium Games and Roberts Space Industries have infringed on its copyright by using CryEngine to create non-Star Citizen assets for use in Squadron 42. Crytek also cites Breach of Contract in its documentation.
Court documents indicate that RSI and CIG are using an unlicensed version of the game engine. Allegedly, Crytek has not been compensated for the use of CryEngine in the creation of these assets. Licensing of CryEngine "would ordinarily include a substantial up-front payment as well as a substantial royalty on game sales".
In addition, Crytek accuses CIG of removing watermarks and logos in advertising.
Defendants Removed Crytek Trademarks and Copyright Noticesfrom Their Games and Marketing Materials Without Permission
28. Sections 2.8.1, 2.8.2, and 2.8.3 of the GLA contained promises byDefendants that they would prominently display Crytek's trademarks and copyrightnotices in the Star Citizen video game and related marketing materials.29.
Section 2.8.1 of the GLA expressly states that the "splash screen, creditsscreen, documentation and packaging (if any) as well as the marketing material"shall include "Crytek's copyright notice."30.
Section 2.8.2 of the GLA further states the "splash screen, creditsscreen, documentation and packaging (if any) as well as the marketing material"shall prominently display both the "Crytek" and "CryEngine" trademarks.31.
Section 2.8.3 of the GLA states that any changes to Crytek's trademarksand copyright notices in these materials requires "Crytek's prior written approval"and a ten day approval period
Crytek is seeking $75,000 for direct damages in addition to indirect damages, consequential damages (including lost profits), special damages, costs, fees and expenses incurred by reason of Defendant's breach of contract and copyright infringement. In addition, the company is seeking a "permanent injunction from continuing to possess or use the Copyrighted Work".
You can read the full court documents at Scribd.com.
Via MassivelyOP
