League of Legends Developer Battles It Out in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

August 17, 2022

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As reported by Eurogamer, Riot Games, the developer of MOBA League of Legends, a popular team-based video game, is suing Shanghai Moonton Technology Co. LTD (“Moonton”), the developer of a mobile version of the game, MOBA Mobile Legends. Riot Games claims that Moonton’s game is a “blatant cop[y]” of the original game.

In particular, Riot Games reportedly argues that the games’ gold-font logos, characters (including both champions and villains), and content (including certain weaponry) are extremely similar. They also note that Moonton has consistently copied Riot Games’ material over time, including its game updates, promotional materials, and a new trailer.

The lawsuit, filed by Riot’s parent company, Tencent, is seeking financial damages, as well as costs and any gains acquired by Moonton as a result of this infringement.

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Authors: Taryn Wunder and Caitlin Woodford