THQ sues Activision Blizzard over box art

Posted Oct 27, 2008 at 5:20PM by QJ Staff Listed in: Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 Tags: Activision Blizzard, PS2, THQ
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THQ sued Activision Blizzard last week, alleging infringement of trade dress and copyrights. Basically, that means that they think Activision ripped off the box art of one of their games.

The Activision game in question which was developed by Left Field Games, SCORE International Baja 1000 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, PS2), does look pretty similar to Baja Edge of Control (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3) by THQ. See for yourself:

Score International Baja 1000 and Baja Edge of Control - Image 1 


Since SCORE International Baja 1000 ships out this week, THQ probably stands to lose quite a bit of money if gamers mistake one game for the other or simply assume that they have identical gameplay besides identical artwork. THQ has asked the courts to delay the release of Activision's game until changes can be implemented.

News of this lawsuit shouldn't be a complete surprise since THQ did contact Activision Blizzard earlier this month about the problematic box art. Apparently Blizzard refused to change a thing and now here we are.

We'll keep you updated on this news as they come.



Related Articles:

Buy: [Baja Edge of Control (PS3, Xbox 360]
Buy [SCORE International Baja 1000 (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii)]

 
 
 

Comments [refresh]

by DarkXCloud - 2008-10-27 12:49
» WTF!?!?!?!?!?!

wait... I don't get it.. One has a bike and the other one doesn't ?!?!?! Yeah the look similar but not exactly

by DarkXCloud - 2008-10-27 12:51
» ........

THQ probably stands to lose quite a bit of money if gamers mistake one game for the other or simply assume that they have identical gameplay besides identical artwork.



^^^ oh... okay.

by GUNBEHINDTHESUN - 2008-10-27 14:23
» Maybe the same cover artist

Maybe working double dibs or something. ;D

by lavino - 2008-10-27 14:40
» lawsuit....

a perfectly legit source of income (or write off) ;)

by chmarr - 2008-10-27 14:54
» ooh eck

i think the ppl that did the box art for one game were the same ppl that did it for the other game, i'd sue the pants off the guy that nicked there design

by teh not so 1337 g@m3r - 2008-10-27 17:10
» Wrong DarkXCloud

Both have bikes. Baja 1000's bike is just further back.





100% legit reason to sue. They could loose a lot of money if people make a mistake by picking the wrong box.





Also, There is a eorror Jon G. You wrote: "does look pretty similar to the _upcoming_ Baja Edge of Control". It's not upcoming, it's already out. Baja 100 is upcoming.

by Xis - 2008-10-27 18:28
» damn

SOMEONEs getting/got fired....

by DigiTalDeaD - 2008-10-27 18:41
» Wrong " teh not so 1337 g@m3r"

Edge of Control has no bike on the cover....if you're referring to the vehicle behind the red buggy, that's another buggy at an angle....But the box arts do look incredibly similar and if you were describing the cover to somebody who was potentially going to buy you it you'd be pretty pissed off if they got the wrong one. That's if either of these games are any good.

by teh not so 1337 g@m3r - 2008-10-27 18:45
» true

didn't notice that. Meh, similar placement.

by death - 2008-10-27 19:18
» wrong DigiTalDeaD

it is a bike click on the image there is clearly some one riding a bike

by DigiTalDeaD - 2008-10-27 20:25
» Well..

@ Death, you are perhaps looking at the wrong picture, Baja x1000 Has a bike on the cover, BAJA Edge of Control does not, as i said, the vehicle in the background (Under the B and beside "Edge of Control") is a buggy, not a bike.

by vinsonbar - 2008-10-28 00:09
» ok wait

THQ is claiming oh we cold lose money. Well w/ identical box arts couldn't Activision also lose money due to confusion. I don't think thats a suitable argument.They are very similar but to me the activision box art is a lot better and clearer. I have seen plenty of box arts that lok similar. jst and excuse for a failing company to sue and try to get money from a thrivingcompany .

by joemontana03 - 2008-10-28 01:43
» now what really matters...

is this game any good? looks crappy cheesy....



.... though i should not judge from its cover.



i can see executives going "the game is crap, was going to make little, now wont make ANY money!!" hahaha

by ISOHaven - 2008-10-29 07:44
» WTF!?!?!?!?!

The one on the LEFT is a bike. The one on the RIGHT is NOT a bike.



Unfortunatly, I've seen cases win for less. They have a tuff battle in front of them. The bike/buggy difference doesn't matter.

by Master Chef - 2008-10-29 13:30
» Well obviously

THQ is saying they had this box art first. Then Activision steals it. So Activision cant sue

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