Tag Archives: intellectual property

Imamura: Nintendo’s Success Hinges on Its Creators, Not Just Its Iconic Franchises

Takaya Imamura, a former Nintendo veteran renowned for creating characters like Captain Falcon and Fox McCloud, recently emphasised the importance of the individuals behind Nintendo’s beloved franchises. In a blog post, Imamura cautioned against the notion that merely owning popular intellectual properties (IPs) ensures success, stating, “It’s crucial not to forget the talented individuals who uphold the value of those IPs.”  

Credit: Note.com / Imamura

Imamura’s tenure at Nintendo spanned over three decades, during which he contributed significantly to series such as F-Zero and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Reflecting on his departure in 2021, he acknowledged the challenges of managing a company with numerous creators and highlighted the necessity of charismatic leadership to maintain smooth operations.  

While expressing confidence in Nintendo’s current leadership, Imamura’s remarks serve as a reminder that the strength of a franchise lies not just in its name but in the creative minds that develop its games. This perspective resonates in an industry where layoffs are common, underscoring the need to value and support the talent that drives innovation and maintains the quality of beloved series.

As Nintendo continues to develop new entries in its flagship series, Imamura’s insights highlight the importance of nurturing and recognising the creators who bring these games to life. After all, it’s the passion and creativity of these individuals that transform a popular IP into an engaging and memorable experience for players.

Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.

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.

Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Cracked on PC Amidst Piracy Controversy

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has been confirmed cracked on PC, igniting a flurry of discussions and debates across gaming forums and communities. Initially launched on PlayStation 5 as a timed exclusive, the game officially hit PC platforms on January 23, 2025, via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Despite this, unauthorized versions have now surfaced on piracy sites, leading to widespread discourse about the ethics and implications of such actions.

Credit: Square Eniz

The Leak and its Implications

The unauthorized PC versions of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth seem to have originated from pre-release builds or unauthorized modifications. Discussions on platforms like Reddit’s r/PiratedGames and Steam Community forums indicate that these cracked versions include functional gameplay elements, including graphical settings. This situation raises questions about the security of game builds before official releases.

Square Enix has yet to make an official statement on this specific incident, but it underscores the ongoing battle against piracy within the gaming industry.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The gaming community’s response is mixed. Some view the cracked version as a way to circumvent the exclusivity period, while others argue that piracy undermines the developers’ hard work. The debate touches on issues like game pricing, exclusivity, and accessibility, fueling conversations across platforms.

Developers and publishers are under increasing pressure to implement robust anti-piracy measures without alienating their paying customers. This event showcases the delicate balance between security, accessibility, and player satisfaction, especially in a global market where consumer expectations can vary widely.

For those interested in the official release, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can be purchased on Steam or the Epic Games Store.

Atari Warns Against Unauthorized Use of PONG Trademark by Cryptocurrency Project RealPongCoin

Atari has publicly denounced RealPongCoin or $PONG, a cryptocurrency project using its PONG trademark without authorization. In a recent X post, Atari clarified it has no affiliation with RealPongCoin, warning that the project risks deceiving consumers by suggesting a false association. Atari’s legal team is reviewing measures to halt this misuse of its intellectual property, emphasizing the company’s commitment to protecting its brand, which includes over 200 games like Asteroids® and Pong®.

This issue highlights the complexities companies face with intellectual property in the rapidly evolving crypto market, where unauthorized use can mislead consumers. Atari’s action underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining brand integrity amidst digital innovation.