Nintendo’s Legal Fortitude: A $2 Million Victory Against Modchip Seller
Nintendo is well-known for its aggressive legal tactics, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting its intellectual property. The company enjoys considerable success in its legal battles, and a recent settlement reflects this trend. As reported by Video Games Chronicle (VGC), Ryan Daly, who operated the online shop Modded Hardware, has opted to pay $2 million to Nintendo to resolve claims against him, sidestepping a potentially protracted court fight.
The Origin of the Case
The legal conflict began in July 2024 when Nintendo filed a formal complaint against Daly. The dispute traces back to March, when Nintendo first reached out to Daly to warn him about the consequences of selling Nintendo Switch mod chips and engaging in the trade of circumvention devices. Although Daly initially agreed to halt these activities, he subsequently continued to offer mod chips and related modifications for Nintendo Switch consoles.
Daly’s Defense and Ultimately Settling
In his defense, Daly claimed that he was in the process of finding new legal representation. Following Nintendo’s complaint in July, he submitted a counter-defense, firmly denying any wrongdoing. However, rather than pursue the case in court, Daly has now decided to accept the financial settlement and comply with a “permanent injunction”banning him from selling or promoting modded consoles, as well as sharing information on hardware modifications.
Nintendo’s Ongoing Legal Campaign
This latest settlement is part of Nintendo’s broader strategy to protect its copyrights and trademarks aggressively. The company has also initiated lawsuits against a variety of entities, including the popular Switch emulator Yuzu, a streamer who broadcast pirated versions of classic Nintendo titles, and PocketPair, the creators of the game Palworld.
Such actions highlight Nintendo’s relentless pursuit of copyright protection in an industry where unauthorized duplication and modification can be rampant. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the company remains vigilant, ensuring its intellectual property rights are upheld to maintain the integrity of its beloved franchises.
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