Bootleg versions of classic NES games are banned from malls near Seattle. Investigation will continue.
In response to a lawsuit filed by Nintendo targeting the sale of counterfeit Nintendo products, judge John C. Coughenour has ordered a temporary ban and an immediate seizure of the infringing merchandise. A preliminary injunction hearing will begin November 4th. Meanwhile, all merchandise sold by the defendants will be delivered to NOA so that any kosher items may be returned.
This is the beginning of a larger crackdown on such devices. Nintendo claims to have seized “tens of thousands of infringing devices” entering the United States. The products in question are usually sold in mall kiosks located near legitimate video game retailers.
At issue are devices called "Power Player," "Super Joystick," "Superjoy" and "Powerjoy," which have pirated versions of software for some of the hundreds of Nintendo games embedded in their hardware. Consumers plug the device into a television and can play Nintendo games — using a counterfeit version of an old Nintendo controller, Daugherty said.
This is the first time Nintendo has seriously attacked counterfeit products already within US borders.