Bethesda denied in latest Fallout legal twist

23 Sep 2011 at 23:46:14 by Peter Parrish

The endlessly entertaining (or maybe just endless) Fallout legal dispute between original publishers Interplay and new intellectual property owners Bethesda takes a new twist.

A quick recap: Interplay sold the rights to Fallout to Bethesda in 2007, but licensed back the rights to develop a Fallout MMO (within the boundaries of certain conditions). Those specific conditions, and whether Interplay can continue to develop the MMO, are the subject of the lengthy legal battle.

Bethesda's latest target was Bulgarian developers Masthead Studios, who are co-developing Interplay's MMO.

However, a temporary restraining order sought by Bethesda against Masthead (that would presumably have halted any developments) has been denied by US District Judge John F. Walter.

Walter explained his decision in flawless legalise: "[Bethesda] has not demonstrated that it will be irreparably prejudiced if the requested ex parte relief is not granted, or that it is without fault in creating the crisis that requires ex parte relief". So that's all nice and clear, then.

The upshot being that Masthead is free to continue whatever work it is doing on the Fallout MMO.

Did you know? Bethesda is attempting to prevent Minehead developer Markus Persson calling his forthcoming game Scrolls.

Source: gamasutra.com

Image taken from Fallout Online concept art

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