Replay set to sue Wisecrack over Sam Suede
Drama over Kickstarter project that features Al Lowe against his will
Al Lowe's Replay Games is ready to sue Wisecrack Games over its crowdfunded project Sam Suede, claiming copyright infringement.
Sam Suede In Undercover Exposure is a Kickstarter project asking for $500,000 and cites Leisure Suit Larry creator Al Lowe as part of the project both on the site and in its pitch video.
Replay Games claims Lowe worked on the IP seven years ago, but has nothing to do with the current development. It wants the project shut down.
"I think the blatant misuse of the Leisure Suit Larry name and copyrighted material shows clear disregard for copyright law," Reply founder Paul Trowe told GamesBeat.
"To piggyback on someone else's success is not only rude but also illegal. Those who continue with this will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. We are suing today." The suit will be filed in Texas.
Replay Games has just raised $673,602 with its own Kickstarter project for a new Leisure Suit Larry title.
"Wisecrack Games has not infringed or otherwise violated any rights of Replay Games," replied Wisecrack via an official statement.
"Wisecrack's references to Al Lowe's accomplishments, including his work on the Leisure Suit Larry series, are truthful, come directly from Mr. Lowe's website with his permission pursuant to a written agreement, and constitute de minimis and fair uses under applicable law."
Wisecrack also claims that as Replay doesn't hold the trademark or copyright for Leisure Suit Larry it has no basis for the suit.
"As Kickstarter fans are aware, Al is currently working on Leisure Suit Larry. The references to Al Lowe's extensive work with Ken Wegrzyn on the design of Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure is truthfully stated and a historical fact," the statement continued.
"The original design and prototyping have been completed by Al and Ken, as well as a written agreement with Al Lowe for the Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure Kickstarter with Wisecrack Games. Upon completion of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Wisecrack Games moves into full production to complete the game."