Lawyers demanded $4K from Pokemon fan
[Update: Since yesterday when we ran this story, The Pokemon Company has apparently retracted its offer of a $4,000 settlement before it could be paid, in lieu of negative press generated by the defendant. Jones’ lawyer is attempting to have the $4,000 settlement brought back onto the table so that the whole affair can be set aside].
A Pokémon fan has been sued for $4,000 for attempting to organise a Pokémon theme party.
Ramar Larkin Jones arranged the 5th Annual Unofficial Pokémon PAX Kickoff Party, charging $2 per ticket. Shortly after advertising for the event went live on Facebook, Jones received a complaint from The Pokémon Company lawyers stating that his advert featured the copyrighted characters, Pikachu and Snivy.
The lawsuit stated that “defendants have incorporated infringing copies of Pikachu and Snivy into their poster for the ‘5th Annual Unofficial Pokémon PAX Kickoff Party,’ and are publicly displaying that poster.
“Defendants boast that the ‘5th Annual Unofficial Pokémon PAX Kickoff Party’ will feature among other things,” states the lawsuit document. “‘Pokémon themed shots and drinks – Smash Bros. Tournament with cash prize – Dancing – Giveaways – Cosplay Contest and more,’ and an ‘AMAZIN POKEMON MASHUP.'”
Pokemon Lawsuit by Jacob Demmitt
Even though he immediately cancelled the event, The Pokémon Company pursued the claim. A GoFundMe campaign helped him amass enough funds to pay off the fine.
“Trust me I will never throw another fandom party again,” writes Jones.
Pokémon sues fans to block Pokémon party on eve of PAX game convention in Seattle [Eurogamer, via GeekWire]
