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Resolution of Legal Threat and Unpausing of Patreon
🕑 Added 2020-06-30 12:21:21 +0000 UTCHello everyone,
As a quick recap, on June 25th we received a threat of legal action against us over unauthorized use of copyrighted material from a past contractor. Over the next few days we ceased distribution of Mahou Arms, took steps to remove the material in question from the game, and attempted to communicate with the owner of the copyright. We updated you on June 27th, letting you know that we had removed all of the copyrighted content in question and had given then owner of the copyright until today to respond and verify that the content had been removed.
Today we received an email from the copyright owner. They refused to review the new build of the game and continued to demand payment. We are therefore presuming their affirmation that the game no longer contains any assets over which they own copyright. Therefore, we will be unpausing the Patreon and resuming distribution of Mahou Arms. The copyright owner may chose to proceed with legal action, but it should not affect distribution of the game as it is now, since it no longer contains their copyrighted content.
Please note that because of this legal challenge, builds prior to v.0.2.961 will no longer be available to downgrade to in the Launcher. Also, because we've had to replace some sounds on such short notice, they may not be ideal. Thankfully, we were working on getting new sounds commissioned anyway.
In any case, thank you all for your patience with this matter. Also, since we're unpausing the Patreon so close to the billing period, we are offering optional refunds for July. If you would like one, send us a message after you are charged.
Comments
Sergey
Law matters can easily be turned any way around, so better to be careful and not escalate things. Also they might demand damages which are calculated in most mysterious ways. Everything regarding this is based on luck,all we can do is hope for the best outcome.
VitAnyaNaked
The situation was not one of the most pleasant ... But it's good that everything is going fine now and you keep the work up!
Frank Leo
Do you have any grounds to counter-sue the person in question? ... because "refused to review the new build of the game and continued to demand payment" is showing obvious malice and unreasonable stance.
Hamadyne
I'm glad things have been resolved for the time being!
ππ
