Sony Escalates Legal Battle with Tencent Over ‘Horizon‘ Clone
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is aggressively opposing Tencent’s attempt to dismiss a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement related to Tencent’s mobile game, Light of Motiram. SIE claims the game is a blatant imitation of its critically acclaimed Horizon series, perhaps damaging the future success of the Horizon franchise.
The dispute centers on Light of Motiram,developed by Aurora Studios,a subsidiary of Tencent. Sony alleges Tencent knowingly released a game with striking similarities to horizon, including its protagonist, gameplay mechanics, and overall aesthetic, despite SIE’s objections. Court documents reveal Sony accuses Tencent of “continued promoting its infringing game…and refused to accept any responsibility over its conduct.”
SIE further contends Tencent engaged in “corporate hide-and-seek” by utilizing various entities to shield itself from liability. Tencent argued the lawsuit was filed against the wrong entity – Tencent Holdings, a parent company – claiming its separate from its game development studios.
However, Sony countered this claim, stating, “Tencent Holdings describes its own business as having a Games division that ‘own[s] Aurora Studios’ – the Light of Motiram development studio. Tencent Holdings reports all of its revenue and debt from games on its annual report without attribution to any subsidiary. And it uses the name Tencent to advertise its games, like Light of Motiram - without distinguishing between subsidiaries.”
Sony asserts Light of Motiram‘s similar protagonist to Aloy, the heroine of Horizon, creates “confusion” among consumers, especially through its use in marketing materials like Steam banners and website mastheads. The platform holder believes this directly “jeopardises Horizon’s continued success.”
SIE is now requesting the court deny tencent’s motion to dismiss the case, signaling a protracted legal battle between the two gaming giants. The outcome could set a significant precedent regarding intellectual property protection within the rapidly expanding mobile gaming market.
[source thegamepost.com]
