The Lawsuit Season Continues - 'The Tetris Effect' Author Accuses Apple's 'Tetris' Movie of Plagiarism
Holiday season is typically a busy season for shoppers, but right now, it's a busy season for the corporate lawyers across the technology industry. We have seen a ton of high-profile lawsuits over the past few months and now, Apple has been dragged into one as well.
Daniel Ackerman, Editor-in-Chief of Gizmodo and author of "The Tetris Effect," has initiated legal proceedings against Apple and other parties associated with the Tetris Movie. Ackerman alleges that the movie has unlawfully appropriated elements from his work, "The Tetris Effect."
Published in 2016, Ackerman's "The Tetris Effect" seamlessly intertwines
historical events with his personal research. The lawsuit contends that
the movie improperly borrows from his work, particularly framing the
game's release within the context of a "Cold War spy thriller."
According to the lawsuit:
The movie entitled "Tetris" demonstrated the confiscation of Dan Ackerman’s original work and creation of his book “The Tetris Effect.” Plaintiff Ackerman’s book took a unique approach to writing about the real history of Tetris, as it not only applied the historical record, but also layered his own original research and ingenuity to create a compelling narrative non-fiction book in the style of a Cold War spy thriller.
The lawsuit accuses The Tetris movie to have taken the exact same narrative and tone as was portrayed in the book:
Mr. Ackerman’s literary masterpiece, unlike other articles and writings, dispelled of the emphasis on the actual gameplay and fans, and instead concentrated on the surrounding narrative, action sequences, and adversarial relationship between the players.
This was the identical approach Defendants adopted for the Tetris Film, without notable material distinction, but often resonating the exact same feel, tone, approach, and scenes as the book introduced several years prior.
Analysis
In the annals of litigation, authors have historically taken studios to task for appropriating their creative endeavors. However, mounting a legal case against a movie centered on historical events poses a challenge, given the limited protection granted under copyright laws. In this instance, the lawsuit pivots on the movie's resonance with the book in terms of overall ambiance, approach, and tone.
The outcome of this legal confrontation remains veiled in uncertainty, awaiting Apple's response and any potential recourse towards an amicable resolution. The noteworthy involvement of Maya Rogers, CEO of The Tetris Company, holds intriguing implications. Considering The Tetris Company was aware of Mr. Ackerman's work, her current role as an Executive Producer on the film and a named defendant could significantly impact the unfolding proceedings.
What remains irrefutable is the heightened engagement of legal representatives on both sides, as they prepare to navigate the complexities of this intellectual property dispute.
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