AtGames — a manufacturer of "plug-and-play" game devices, e.g. those joysticks with built-in games that you plug into a television — are being sued by Walgreens for breach of contract. This is in addition to a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Bandai Namco.
Bandai Namco Sues AtGames Over Ms. Pac-Man
A couple of days ago, Bandai Namco Entertainment America filed a lawsuit against AtGames as reported by GamesIndustry.biz. The complaint alleges that AtGames made use of the Ms. Pac-Man trademark without permission.Back in 2012, the game device manufacturer approached Bandai Namco with a proposal to sell devices featuring Ms. Pac-Man. Ths proposal was rejected by Bandai Namco, but several later proposals regarding different IP were accepted and subsequently produced. However, Bandai Namco asserts that they had not given permission for a Ms. Pac-Man device to be created.
Unfortunately, it seems that AtGames produced a Ms Pac-Man plug-and-play console anyway, allegedly without permission from the owner of the intellectual property. Bandai Namco is asking the court to award an injunction against the plug-and-play game maker and bring the case before a jury — and their problems just got worse.
Walgreens Alleges Nonpayment Over Unsold Game Units
Walgreens, too, is suing AtGames according to GamesIndustry.biz, although this lawsuit is over an entirely different issue.The plug-and-play devices provided to the pharmacy chain came with a "guaranteed sale" contract; this means that the company would buy back any units that ultimately were not sold through Walgreens stores. Walgreens states that they returned more than 66,500 units, each of which were purchased at prices in the neighborhood of $15–38. The pharmacy chain alleges that it has not been paid nearly $1.62 million owed to them under the guaranteed sale contract.
AtGames has not responded to this particular complaint publicly, nor have they filed a response in court; instead, they've received an extension to file an answer to Walgreens' claims by October 10, 2019.
What do you think of the AtGames lawsuits brought against them by Bandai Namco and Walgreens? Do you think the plug-and-play console manufacturer will be able to come out victorious? Let us know in the comments below!
