Kotaku
Nicholas Piegdon, the man behind Piano Hero, just got C&Ded by Activision and despite the sexy sound of that, it didn't feel good.
Piegdon emailed us a bit ago to say that the cease and desist letter from Activision is only worrying over the title of his project, so he doesn't have to stop making the game, just rename it.
Hit the jump for the letter and link to the new name contest Nicholas is running now.
March 26, 2007 RE: Activision - Guitar HeroDear Mr. Piegdon:
Activision Publishing, Inc. ("Activision") is one of the leading worldwide developers, publishers and distributors of entertainment software products. Among the various products it publishes are the Guitar HeroTM and Guitar Hero IITM video games. As such, Activision is the owner of certain intellectual property rights related to the Guitar HeroTM franchise, including but not limited to the trademark "Guitar Hero" and at least the following trademark registration/applications: U.S. Trademark Registration No. 3002745 and Serial Nos. 78/613,665, 78/866,144, 78/886,127 and 78/866,277.
As we are sure you are well aware, the Guitar HeroTM franchise has enjoyed enormous critical and commercial acclaim. It has sold millions of copies in the United States and worldwide and has received substantial unsolicited accolades from media spanning beyond the gaming industry, including being honored by PC World as one of the Best Products of 2006.
It has come to our attention that you have been using the name "Piano Hero" in connection with a game you designed for Halite Studios. We are enclosing a print out from your website showing such.
In our opinion, your use of the name "Piano Hero" constitutes at least trademark infringement, dilution and unfair competition with respect to the trademark "Guitar Hero." Accordingly, we request that you immediately cease any and all use of the "Piano Hero" name in connection with the distribution and promotion of your video game and agree not to use such in the future.
Please provide us with your assurances that you will comply with our request. We look forward to your prompt response.
Respectfully,
Mary A. Tuck
Senior Litigation Counsel
Activision Publishing, Inc.Encls.
You can read Nicholas' response and hit up his contest on the link.
Cease and Desist from Activision! (And New Name Contest!) [Piano HeroTBD]
