Riot Games is Suing Imba Network(Vietnamese Game Developers), According to a lawsuit filed Thursday, firm Imba Network was creating what the California-based developer deems a “knock-off” of its League of Legends-inspired auto battler Teamfight Tactics. Riot claims that Imba Network’s game, I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight, plagiarised character likenesses, backstories, and much more from Teamfight Tactics, down to copy-pasted character backstory.
The case, which was filed in California, requests the court to prevent Imba Network from distributing their game and violating the League of Legends copyright. Teamfight Tactics is a Dota 2 auto chess mod that utilizes the setting of League Of Legends, a widely popular MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena). Riot is also seeking $150,000 for each copyright infringement case. A cease-and-desist letter has already been sent to Imba, according to its lawyers.
A statement from Riot’s lawyers confirms fro the new Riot Games is Suing Imba Network:
“Imba’s plan that potential customers would recognize the Infringing Game’s heroes was successful. Many players commented on the outright copying of LoL champions in the Infringing Game.”
Riot wasn’t the only one who saw links. Some I am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight reviews made comparisons between the intellectual property in both games. This isn’t the first time Riot has gone to court to sue another game developer. Riot’s parent firm, Tencent, won a dispute against Moontoon’s Mobile Legends in 2018. And it appears that Riot’s lawsuit will shortly be followed by a victory based on the facts available.
On the Google Play Store, AFK Tactical Teamfight presently has 10,000 reviews and is accessible on all mobile platforms. It’s still online despite Riot Games’ stand-down order, despite the studio’s denial of the claims, but as mentioned this isn’t the first time Riot has used expensive suits to shut down copycats. It won a $2.9 million case in 2018 for another “infringing game,” Mobile Legends.
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