Nintendo is pursuing legal action against James Williams, operating under the pseudonym Archbox, seeking $4.5 million in damages for large-scale copyright infringement. The Japanese gaming giant alleges Williams illicitly reproduced and distributed thousands of unauthorized Nintendo Switch game copies through multiple pirate websites and tools, facilitated while moderating a Reddit forum.
The case highlights Nintendo’s aggressive stance against digital piracy and its willingness to pursue substantial financial penalties against those involved in the unauthorized distribution of its intellectual property. While the current claim focuses on 30 pirated titles, Nintendo retains the option to seek the maximum statutory damage of $150,000 per infringed title, perhaps escalating the financial burden on Williams significantly. This legal battle underscores the ongoing challenges facing the gaming industry in combating online piracy and protecting copyrighted content.
According to court documents, Williams operated several sites offering unauthorized switch games, alongside tools designed to circumvent console security measures, actively promoting these resources on Reddit. Nintendo previously issued warnings and formal notices to Williams, which were reportedly ignored, leading the company to seek a default judgment.
The company states Williams engaged in the reproduction and distribution of “hundreds, if not thousands” of copyrighted Nintendo Switch games, and facilitated the distribution of “thousands, if not hundreds of thousands” of unauthorized copies. Nintendo has limited its initial damage claim to $4.5 million, representing 30 specific titles, but reserves the right to pursue further action.
