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SNK has filed a criminal complaint against fellow publisher Square Enix, accusing it of unlawfully using its IP.
An SNK statement translated on MMCafe says that Square Enix used a number of its characters in its manga product High Score Girl, claiming that the company made no effort to seek permission prior to publication.
The comic is set in the ’90s and features scenes from fighting games that were popular at the time. SNK says that over 100 scenes have featured characters from their games, including King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown.
SNK is listed amongst the licensed copyrighters.
In order to protect our copyrights and strictly address infringements, our Company cannot overlook the extremely malicious act by a major group company listed on the stock exchange,” it said.
In order to protect our characters and games such as Metal Slug Defense which are widely loved by users around the world, we will continue to resolute in measures against infringements and other acts against our copyrights.”
The Osaka district police apparently raided the office yesterday (August 5th). As well as confiscating materials, the police will also be questioning the editor and author Rensuke Oshikiri.
The legal action could also jeapordise a planned High Score Girls anime series.
