Nintendo sues go-kart service for copyright infringement

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A real life Mario Kart-themed attraction is facing legal action from Japanese video-game company Nintendo for alleged copyright obstructions.

Tokyo-based company MariCar, as per the Japanese Times, has been accused of blatantly ripping ideas from one of Nintendo’s blockbuster game titles, “Mario Kart.”

Known for its go-kart tours around the city, the ride service also offers costumes of different Nintendo characters, including the franchise’s most prominent leads such as Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Princess Peach.

MariCar has also been using several Nintendo-trademarked photos to promote its business, the report said.

“In order to protect our intellectual properties that we have created based on many years of efforts, we are committed to take firm measures,” the company said in an official statement regarding the issue.

The Kyoto-based gaming giant also claimed that MariCar never obtained permission to use these costumes and that its entire business was based on its original product.

A Nintendo spokesperson revealed that they had issued several warnings to the company for the past several months but that they received no response, forcing them to pursue legal action.

Nintendo is reportedly seeking ¥10 million (P4.48 million) in damages.

The MariCar go-kart service, meanwhile, has continued its operations and remains quite a hit for both tourists and locals alike.  Each kart has been modified to run on Tokyo’s busy public roads, and has even received positive reviews on the travel website TripAdvisor.  Khristian Ibarrola