Tag Archives: gaming industry news

UK Government Rejects ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ Petition

The UK government has dismissed the ‘Stop Destroying Videogamespetition, which urged for amendments to consumer laws to prevent the disabling of video games. The petition highlighted concerns over the preservation of digital gaming content, especially as online services for older games are frequently discontinued, rendering them unplayable.

The government’s response was clear: “There are no plans to amend UK consumer law on disabling video games. Those selling games must comply with existing consumer protection legislation.” This stance underscores the current regulatory framework, which mandates that sellers adhere to established consumer rights but does not specifically address the longevity or preservation of digital games.

This decision has sparked discussions within the gaming community about the challenges of digital preservation. As the industry increasingly shifts towards online and digital platforms, many gamers express concerns over the potential loss of access to beloved titles due to server shutdowns or digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.

The issue isn’t confined to the UK alone. Globally, gamers and preservationists are advocating for more robust measures to ensure that video games, especially those with cultural or historical significance, remain accessible for future generations. The debate continues on how best to balance the rights and interests of consumers, developers, and publishers in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

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Local Supermarket Triumphs Over Nintendo in Trademark Dispute

In a surprising turn of events, a family-owned supermarket in San Ramón, Costa Rica, has successfully defended its name, ‘Super Mario’, against gaming giant Nintendo.  

The supermarket, operating under the slogan “Su lugar de confianza” (“Your trusted place”), has been a community staple for decades. When the owner’s son sought to renew their trademark last year, Nintendo challenged the application, citing its iconic video game character.  

Despite feeling daunted by the prospect of facing such a “commercial monster,” the family, with the assistance of legal advisor José Edgardo Jiménez Blanco, decided to stand their ground. Their perseverance paid off when Costa Rica’s National Register ruled in their favor, noting that while Nintendo holds trademarks for ‘Super Mario’ in various categories, it does not cover supermarkets or the sale of groceries.  

Credit: Facebook

Expressing their relief and joy, the family stated, “For a moment we thought about throwing in the towel. How were we going to win against such a commercial monster? Especially with the number of legal documents presented by them to ensure victory. Well, luckily Edgardo and I stood firm and a few days ago we received the good news.”  

This case underscores the complexities of trademark law and highlights the challenges small businesses can face when up against global corporations. It’s a reminder that with determination and proper legal support, even the smallest entities can uphold their rights.

Credit for the article to Nintendo Life.

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