Source: https://ja.scribd.com/document/382344849/Bethesda-Softworks-LLC-v-Behaviour-Interactive-Inc-and-Warner-Bros-Entertainment-Inc
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 12:24:30+00:00

Document:
Lawsuit filed by Bethesda Softworks agains Behaviour Interactive and Warner Bros. in Maryland District Court over alleged Fallout Shelter copyright infringement in Westworld.
BETHESDA SOFTWORKS LLC, CASE NO.
belief as to all other matters.
promotion of the Westworld mobile game.
manager of an underground vault of people trying to escape the nuclear wasteland above ground.
fit within the aesthetic and storyline of the FALLOUT universe.
by androids who allow the human guests to indulge in various, often violent, fantasies.
6. To bring the Westworld mobile game to market, Behaviour and Warner Bros.
highly similar to those in FALLOUT SHELTER.
including Bethesda’s copyrighted code. all of which are owned by Bethesda. features and other gameplay elements as FALLOUT SHELTER. The Westworld game is a blatant rip-off of FALLOUT SHELTER. For example. 9. This software ‘bug’ appears when a player starts up the demonstration version of the Westworld game. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 4 of 34 7. Behaviour’s use of the computer code owned by Bethesda to develop Westworld even included the very same ‘bugs’ or defects present in the FALLOUT SHELTER code. which uses the same copyrighted computer code created for Bethesda’s FALLOUT SHELTER game.’ misuse of Bethesda’s intellectual property. 8. Westworld has the same or highly similar game design. the appearance of the bug in the Westworld game demo makes clear that the FALLOUT SHELTER source code was used by Behaviour in developing the Westworld game. Specifically. Behaviour’s breach of its contract with Bethesda is evidenced by the gameplay of Westworld. It is as if a camera capturing the scene had been inadvertently pointed to the lower right foreground and then slowly refocuses on the central image. While this error was ultimately fixed in subsequent builds of FALLOUT SHELTER. animations. allowed and continues to allow the Defendants to benefit from the unique and popular gameplay experience created by Bethesda at its expense in FALLOUT SHELTER. Behaviour and Warner Bros. By utilizing Bethesda’s copyright and other intellectual property rights. art style. the view is out-of-focus and the scene that appears is far to the right and below the targeted landscape image. 3 . the demonstration version of the Westworld game includes a visible software ‘bug’ or code defect present in an early version of FALLOUT SHELTER code delivered by Behaviour to Bethesda during game development. Working with the same copyrighted computer code used by FALLOUT SHELTER. The identical problem appeared in initial versions of FALLOUT SHELTER but was addressed before FALLOUT SHELTER was released to the public.
C.000. seek to attract consumers with the expectation of a FALLOUT SHELTER-type gameplay experience. is a California company with its principal place of business at 4000 Warner Blvd. and attorneys’ fees and costs. is a Canadian corporation with its principal place of business at 416 Maisonneuve Ouest. This Court also has diversity jurisdiction under 28 U. Defendant Warner Bros. CA 91522.. Defendant Behaviour Interactive Inc. 17 U. This action arises under the federal Copyright Act. Behaviour resides in Canada.C..C. et seq. 18 U.S. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 5 of 34 Behaviour and Warner Bros. Burbank. denying it the exclusive commercial benefits of the copyrighted code which Bethesda paid for and which drives the gameplay experience provided in FALLOUT SHELTER.S. Entertainment Inc. et seq.C. Code Ann. THE PARTIES 10. This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over Bethesda’s state-law claims pursuant to 28 U.S. Md. 1338(a) and (b) and 15 U. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 13.C. and the amount in controversy exceeds $75. 12. Behaviour’s and Warner Bros. 11. Plaintiff Bethesda Softworks LLC is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business at 1370 Piccard Drive. §§ 1836. Quebec. restitution. the Defend Trade Secrets Act. Canada H3A 1L2.. the Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act. § 1367 because those claims are substantially related to Bethesda’s copyright and Defend Trade Secret Act claims. §§ 1331.’ profits. §§11-1201. 4 .C.S. Warner Bros. § 1332 because Bethesda resides in Maryland. §§ 101. bureau 600. actual damages. among other things. and common law. et seq.S. This wanton misappropriation of Bethesda’s intellectual property in violation of Behaviour’s agreement with Bethesda harms Bethesda by. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to 28 U. Rockville. Maryland 20850...S. Bethesda seeks to enjoin such activities and recover statutory damages. Montreal. § 1121. resides in California.
.) 18. a publisher that develops. Both Behaviour and Warner Bros. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Behaviour and Warner Bros. 17. Bethesda released FALLOUT 4. and Arizona. The various FALLOUT video games largely take place in the years following the destruction of the earth as people begin to emerge from their underground vaults into the nuclear wasteland. FALLOUT 3.C. (Ex. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 6 of 34 14. Venue is proper in this District under 28 U. in 2008. and distributes interactive video games. 15. set in the nuclear wasteland 10 years before the events 5 . Bethesda. because Bethesda has been harmed in this District. including all computer code. and because Behaviour and Warner Bros. operate in this district and violated Bethesda’s rights in this District. Bethesda released its first FALLOUT game. owns all intellectual property rights in and to the FALLOUT franchise. BETHESDA’S FALLOUT SHELTER GAME 16. In November 2015. and achieving great commercial success. FALLOUT 3 launched to critical acclaim. The FALLOUT franchise of video games draws gamers into alternate history. diverging from existing reality shortly following WWII. Bethesda followed the success of FALLOUT 3 with FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS in 2010. FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS includes similar open-world gameplay in the post- apocalyptic wasteland of Nevada. 19. A. Behaviour entered into a contract governed by the laws of this District and agreed to be bound by the laws and exclusive jurisdiction of this District for any dispute arising from the contract. California. an open-world role playing game similar to the previous installments. Further. publishes. §§ 1391 and 1400(b). make and distribute games in the United States and this District through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. and venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.C. § 1391(b) and (c).S.S. earning Game-of-the-Year honors.
and Behaviour provided the implementation. any and all rights Behaviour may have had in any materials related to the game vested.) 20. Bethesda engaged Behaviour to assist developing the FALLOUT SHELTER game under the code name “Underground. 2014. Bethesda provided the conception. 6 . On January 22. such materials were assigned to Bethesda. B. This version of a simulation-style game was intended to extend the franchise into mobile gaming. were created as works made for hire for Bethesda and that to the extent any materials were not works made for hire. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 7 of 34 in FALLOUT 3. (Ex. Bethesda decided to expand and enrich the FALLOUT player experience and reach a wider audience by developing a version of the game compatible with the Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems under the name FALLOUT SHELTER. The Agreement expressly states that all work product and any other materials created by Behaviour related to the game. assets.) FALLOUT SHELTER has been downloaded by over 120 million players. content.” The terms and conditions of this engagement are set forth in the parties’ Software Development and Services Agreement (the “Agreement”). and associated intellectual property rights. Accordingly. FALLOUT 4 was honored as Game-of-the-Year and was one of the best- selling games of 2015. In 2013. C. (Ex.) BEHAVIOUR’S CONTRACT WITH BETHESDA AND BETHESDA’S RIGHTS IN FALLOUT SHELTER 21. ab initio. D. and overall direction of the game’s mechanics and resulting look and feel. FALLOUT SHELTER became the most-downloaded free mobile app in the United States and became the third-highest grossing game on the iOS app store. Under the Agreement. including its source code. in Bethesda upon fixation. Within a day of its release in June 2015. (Ex. design.
such employees and contractors may have to the Work Product and any other material generated under this Agreement. and waiving any and all rights.” (§ 2.) • That any rights resulting from the development of FALLOUT SHELTER not automatically vesting with Bethesda under the contract are irrevocably and unconditionally assigned to Bethesda. trade secrets and other Intellectual Property Rights. including “all associated versions and derivatives” and “all artwork.” (§ 5. Behaviour “appoint[ed] Bethesda as attorney-in-fact for Behaviour with the right…to execute such instruments in the name of Behaviour on Bethesda’s behalf” on a work made for hire basis. (§ 2. trade names. programming. game designs. including ‘moral’ rights. establishing Bethesda as the sole owner of all rights.4.” (§ 4. game play features. The Agreement between Bethesda and Behaviour includes express provisions related to the development and ownership of FALLOUT SHELTER. Behaviour agreed: • That Bethesda owns all intellectual property and rights related to the development of FALLOUT SHELTER. As part of this Assignment. For example. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 8 of 34 22.) • That its employees and contractors must execute non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements to ensure “strict protection of all proprietary information provided by Bethesda.) 7 . know-how.1. trademarks.2.1.) • That Behaviour was obligated to “comply with all directives and suggestions from Bethesda concerning game development. patents.4. copyrights.
4.” (Id.2. it is “liable and shall pay the other party. disclose.). (§ 3. (§ 7. designs..) 23. music. Bethesda also had the following rights and Behaviour the following obligations: • Bethesda had on-demand access to work-in-progress code and assets. • That any disclosure of Bethesda confidential information by Behaviour would “cause irreparable harm” and that the offended party would be entitled to injunctive or other equitable relief. in addition to any money damages award. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 9 of 34 • That Behavior would not “use. Apple or Google). technical and promotion control over all phases of development and distribution” including “all text. screens and characters.) • Behaviour was required to provide milestone builds and all archived versions of the builds following approval of the platform owner (e.” (§ 3. publish.g. Under the Agreement. gameplay. voices.4. graphics.” (§ 5. as well as “24/7/365 access to Behaviour’s code and asset depot.) 8 .) • Behaviour was obligated to submit all materials to Bethesda for testing and quality assurance. sell.1.) • Bethesda retained and exercised complete “creative. (§ 9.3. or otherwise make available to third parties any portion of” Bethesda’s confidential information. artwork. (§ 3. transfer.5.) • That if Behaviour breaches the Agreement. the reasonable legal fees incurred by said party.
The website for the game.) 24. This registration covers all copyrightable aspects of the game. FALLOUT SHELTER is an original work of creative expression that provides audio-visual entertainment to users and includes numerous creative elements subject to copyright protection as copyrightable subject matter. This originality and creativity were recognized by the U. E.S. THE WESTWORLD MOBILE GAME AND DEFENDANTS’ WRONGFUL ACTS 27. California and at SXSW in Austin.S. game assets. Warner Bros.” (Ex. game assets. including the source code.com.) 9 . As shown below.) • Bethesda retained and exercised the right to visit Behaviour’s facilities to monitor progress of the development. Based on the contractual relationship between Behaviour and Bethesda. Texas. Behaviour has not. (§ 6. 26. and user interface. In March 2018.” (Id. Copyright Office. copyright registration TX0008074781 for FALLOUT SHELTER to Bethesda. marketing. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 10 of 34 • Bethesda retained and exercised complete control “over all phases of the promotion. states that the Westworld mobile game is “developed by Behaviour Interactive. public relations and dissemination of information. Bethesda has complied with all of its obligations as set forth in the Agreement. and other intellectual property related to the development of FALLOUT SHELTER that was owned by Bethesda. Behaviour had access to all source code. www. which issued U. 25. announced its intent to release a Westworld mobile game and demonstrated the game at the popular Game Developer Conference (“GDC”) in San Francisco.westworldmobile.
” (Ex. • CinemaBlend added “the gameplay of Westworld doesn’t look too dissimilar to Fallout Shelter.) 10 . Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 11 of 34 28. it’s not difficult to see why publishers are still working with Behaviour on making similar games for different brands. I. F. demo of the game at SXSW.: • After playing the game at GDC. G.) (Emphasis added). “It’s an obvious Fallout Shelter evolution.) (Emphasis added).” (Ex.) • The same article notes “Given that Fallout Shelter accrued over 100 million downloads in two years of release. • Another analyst commented. partners with Fallout Shelter dev Behaviour Interactive on Westworld mobile game.) (Emphasis added).) (Emphasis added).” (Ex. H.” (Ex. J. a Forbes reporter wrote. centered around a similar base-building mechanic. it bears a striking resemblance to FALLOUT SHELTER.) • Commenting on the Warner Bros. “Westworld mobile is definitely taking a page out of the Fallout book with its cheerful Pipboy-influenced characters and it fits rather well with the game’s premise” and “The game itself plays like Fallout Shelter mixed with a Theme Park sim.” (Ex.g. • In an article titled “Warner Bros.” (Id. “the Westworld mobile game is more or less a Westworld version of Fallout Shelter. VentureBeat noted “the side-view user-interface looks a lot like Fallout Shelter.” (Id. The same article calls out the Westworld mobile game’s use of “Fallout Shelter-style rooms. K.” (Ex. e. As detailed in multiple third-party articles about the Westworld game as demonstrated.) • According to Den of Geek.” Pocket Gamer stated “The Westworld mobile game appears  much in the same vein as Fallout Shelter.
M. intended for the games to be similar to be able to court the same consumers. good will. in its description of a video of the Westworld mobile game. Warner Bros. establish the obvious: the Westworld mobile game has substantially similar (if not virtually identical) gameplay elements.’ Jason Everett. benefit from the success. style. By recreating FALLOUT SHELTER with Westworld’s “western” theme. Those gameplay features in the Westworld mobile game are made possible by Behaviour’s unlawful use of the computer code developed for FALLOUT SHELTER and owned by Bethesda.) 29. • GameCrate. L.) The article continues. Behaviour and Warner Bros. Warner Bros.” a Westworld fan website identifies Warner Bros. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 12 of 34 • In an article titled “Westworld’s Video Game Looks a Lot Like Fallout Shelter. Fallout Shelter. In an interview with ShackNews. and consumer base created by FALLOUT SHELTER.” the author captioned the Westworld mobile game trailer “So. the executive producer of the Westworld mobile game. Behaviour Interactive. yeah. has tapped the makers of Fallout Shelter. 31.” (Ex. states. don’t you think?” (Ex. The Westworld mobile game seeks to attract players by its misappropriation of intellectual property of Bethesda. N.” (Id. “Westworld Mobile Game Is In The Works From The Makers Of Fallout Shelter. to design a game based on HBO’s hit show. (Ex.) (Emphasis added). designs. and Behaviour as the game developers. “Warner Bros. 30. “Looks a lot like Fallout Shelter. The press comments above (and many others).) • In an article titled. and other assets of FALLOUT SHELTER. concepts. expressly acknowledged the similarity between the game experience of the Westworld mobile game and FALLOUT SHELTER: 11 .
the Westworld mobile game features gameplay elements and mechanics that are the same or substantially similar to FALLOUT SHELTER. which is a good thing.’ misuse of Bethesda’s intellectual property.com/watch?v=sR_89sHs7RQ at 1:03. and other intellectual property as the foundation for the Westworld game. including the look and feel of the game 12 . The team in Montreal is amazing. As demonstrated by the various news and press articles cited above and the sample screen captures detailed below. And. engaged Behaviour to develop the Westworld mobile game because it knew or reasonably should have known that Behaviour had been engaged by Bethesda to develop the popular FALLOUT SHELTER game and utilized many of the same Behaviour employees involved in the development of the FALLOUT SHELTER game. game designs. reduce costs. Warner Bros. together. included essentially all of the protected characteristics of FALLOUT SHELTER in the Westworld mobile game.youtube. Behaviour and Warner Bros. So there’s a lot of similarities. and decrease the game’s time to market and to command a built-in consumer base by making the Westworld mobile game’s gameplay experience and look-and-feel the same as or substantially similar to FALLOUT SHELTER. expected and relied on Behaviour’s ability to reuse and/or leverage Bethesda’s computer code. we’re bringing a simulation that I think will be really satisfying for players that love those kinds of game experiences… (https://www. That’s a great game. As a direct result of Behaviour and Warner Bros. which also worked on Fallout Shelter. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 13 of 34 Interviewer: You guys are using a team in Montreal. This unauthorized copying and sharing enabled Behaviour to shorten its development cycle.) (Emphasis added). 33. 32. Jason Everett: Fallout Shelter is a terrific simulation. Warner Bros.
Behaviour would not have developed the Westworld mobile game it unlawfully produced and is distributing. underground multiroom layout. The game displays each room using three walls. to create the same gameplay environment. creating a cross-sectional view that allows the player to see and interact with what is happening in each room. FALLOUT SHELTER includes a unique gameplay environment that depicts a multiroom underground vault. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 14 of 34 as well as game design and gameplay mechanics. and cross-sectional room views. a ceiling. FALLOUT SHELTER hides the fourth wall. If Behaviour had not used the computer code and other intellectual property of Bethesda. such infringing copying of Bethesda’s copyrighted code is evidenced by the presence of a unique bug or code defect which appears in the Westworld game demo and also in the code base of a build of FALLOUT SHELTER delivered by Behaviour to Bethesda during game development of FALLOUT SHELTER. and a floor. utilizes the same computer code and intellectual property used to make FALLOUT SHELTER and owned by Bethesda. 13 . As detailed in Paragraph 8. 34. This infringement and misappropriation were accomplished by accessing and using the source code and other assets owned by Bethesda. copied FALLOUT SHELTER’s features and then made cosmetic modifications for Westworld’s “western” theme. The Westworld mobile game. Behaviour and Warner Bros.
FALLOUT SHELTER: Room close-up Westworld: Room close-up 36. As the user moves or pans the screen to view different areas of FALLOUT SHELTER’s vault. perspective and vanishing point when displaying its rooms. causing the perspective of the rooms to change dynamically and creating a unique look and feel as the room perspectives 14 . Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 15 of 34 FALLOUT SHELTER: Gameplay Layout Westworld: Gameplay Layout 35. The Westworld mobile game uses the same depth. the vanishing point remains centered on the screen. FALLOUT SHELTER renders each of the rooms using three-dimensional objects having depth and perspective with a common vanishing point centered on the screen.
Because the Westworld mobile game uses the same source code as FALLOUT SHELTER. FALLOUT SHELTER uses unique mechanics and transitions when zooming into and out of a particular room. which can be viewed at https://www.’ unlawful reuse and copying of Bethesda’s source code. FALLOUT SHELTER: Panning . 37.com/v/Westworld-GameAnnouncePK- 0311/file/282276355728 (beginning around 0:08 and 0:47) provide an even more compelling example of both games sharing the same look and feel when moving around the game environment. In addition to the screenshots above.youtube. These similarities are due to Behaviour and Warner Bros. available at https://app.com/watch?v=WsB9eYF8tHg (beginning around 1:16) and the Westworld mobile game’s press video. Double tapping again reverses the motion to 15 . 38.moving rooms from right to left. FALLOUT SHELTER allows the user to double tap on a room to initiate a zoom into that room.moving rooms from right to left. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 16 of 34 changes. it too includes this same visual effect when moving around the game environment. Westworld: Panning . Bethesda’s E3 2015 press conference footage (“FALLOUT SHELTER E3 video”). In addition to the horizontal and vertical movement around the environment.box. The camera appears to fly toward the room until the room fills the full screen.
16 . When a user double taps on a room in the Westworld mobile game. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 17 of 34 provide an overall view. The Westworld mobile game uses the same gesture to enter or zoom in on a room because the Westworld mobile game copied Bethesda’s source code and game design from FALLOUT SHELTER. First the room is highlighted. uses the same mechanics and animations and. The Westworld mobile game. like FALLOUT SHELTER. based on Bethesda’s source code. and then the camera flies toward the room until the room fills the entire screen. instructs the users about the double tap gesture in the same way. FALLOUT SHELTER: Zoom tutorial Westworld: Zoom tutorial 39. the animation is the same as that in FALLOUT SHELTER when a user double taps a room.
And the mechanics of selecting and building a new room are the same in both games. FALLOUT SHELTER: Character locations Westworld: Character locations 41. FALLOUT SHELTER also displays the location of each dweller in the rooms of the main gameplay view so that the player can easily see the distribution of the dwellers throughout the game environment. First the user taps on a build icon.’ copying of Bethesda’s code. The Westworld mobile game duplicates this same feature using Bethesda’s source code. again because of Behaviour and Warner Bros. The same program exists in the Westworld mobile game. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 18 of 34 FALLOUT SHELTER: Zoom after double tap sequence Westworld: Zoom after double tap sequence 40. FALLOUT SHELTER allows users to purchase or build additional rooms. FALLOUT SHELTER 17 .
the Westworld mobile game copied the FALLOUT SHELTER lock system and icon for rooms that cannot yet be built because the user has not reached a prerequisite requirement. When placing the room. like FALLOUT SHELTER. FALLOUT SHELTER: Build icon Westworld: Build icon 42. and shows the room name on the top. the user must choose where to place the new room. in a similar location. The use of Bethesda’s source code to implement this feature results in the similarity of the placement system. 18 . Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 19 of 34 represents this process with a hammer icon located in the lower right portion of the screen. Additionally. adding a wrench. Each card includes the price and special attributes of the room at the bottom. Next. Westworld uses a similar hammer icon. in both games. FALLOUT SHELTER: Room selection Westworld: Room selection 43. includes a graphic depiction of the room. The Westworld mobile game. depicts the different room options on virtual cards. the Westworld mobile game mimics the green boxes showing areas where the room can be placed in FALLOUT SHELTER.
19 . FALLOUT SHELTER includes a distinct representation of the dwellers in the vault. like FALLOUT SHELTER. The Westworld mobile game. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 20 of 34 FALLOUT SHELTER: Room placement Westworld: Room placement 44. 3D environment using Bethesda’s source code. the game creates a contrast effect by placing flat-shaded. 45. uses cartoonish 2D characters in a 3D environment. Behaviour and Warner Bros. copied almost every aspect of the character look and movement that makes the FALLOUT SHELTER characters unique. As shown in the screenshots below. In addition to its unique overall game environment. 2D characters in a smooth-shaded. In both games. The Westworld mobile app makes almost no effort to distinguish its own character representations from those in FALLOUT SHELTER. again indicating source code copying. in both cases. the emotional state of the characters is shown with a percentage and a smiley face.
Behaviour and Warner Bros. further giving the impression that the 2D characters exist in a 3D environment. the Westworld mobile game also uses the same technique as FALLOUT SHELTER of mixing depth with flat characters by placing the characters on different depth planes. throughout the Westworld mobile game. powered by Bethesda’s code. 47. using Bethesda’s code to create this look-and-feel.. reused these movements and animation styles. FALLOUT SHELTER was programmed to feature distinctive motion and animation styles to create the overall artistic expression of the characters and their movement. emphasizing the lack of depth in the expression of the characters. 20 . As seen in the above screenshots. Behaviour and Warner Bros. Both FALLOUT SHELTER’s dwellers and the Westworld characters always appear facing left or right. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 21 of 34 FALLOUT SHELTER: Character shading Westworld: Character shading 46. copied the visual interaction between the characters and the environment from FALLOUT SHELTER to create the same visual effect.
. This right or left walk or run animation cycle continues even as the characters move forward and backward in the environment. to depict different behavior depending on the room or setting. the Westworld mobile game copies FALLOUT SHELTER’s bar room complete with characters sitting at tables drinking oversized mugs of beer. screen shots below). at the same time. like those of FALLOUT SHELTER. Westworld press video at 0:31. Some of these animations are almost identical to FALLOUT SHELTER. screen shots below) showing characters walking or running left or right while moving both left or right and forward or backward. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 22 of 34 48.g. The player sees a character running or walking left or right.. The characters in FALLOUT SHELTER always walk or run in a left or right direction (see e. Behaviour and Warner Bros. For example. FALLOUT SHELTER: Character movement sequence Westworld: Character movement sequence The Westworld mobile game also uses FALLOUT SHELTER’s context-specific animations. moving further or closer to the camera. unlawfully misappropriated Bethesda’s intellectual property for its execution of this game feature. 21 . and. FALLOUT SHELTER E3 video at 2:15. The Westworld mobile game uses the same animation system (see e.g. Behaviour unlawfully used Bethesda’s code for execution of that gameplay.
bounces. to make the Westworld mobile game. artwork. game features. BETHESDA’S FALLOUT SHELTER TRADE SECRETS 51. Behaviour had access to Bethesda’s confidential and trade secret information related to the source code. Accordingly. 22 . development information. 50. Behaviour and Warner Bros. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 23 of 34 FALLOUT SHELTER: Patrons drinking Westworld: Patrons drinking 49. copied the subtle sway. repurposed Bethesda’s intellectual property. and other documents and know-how related to the development of FALLOUT SHELTER (the “FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets”). game designs. deliverables. Under the Agreement between Bethesda and Behaviour. 52. Bethesda took appropriate precautions to maintain the secrecy of its confidential information and trade secrets and keep them generally unknown to the public. The Agreement between Bethesda and Behaviour includes provisions specifically designed to protect the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. and minute movements in idle characters that give them and the scene a constant sense of motion and a distinctive feel as a result of unlawfully copying Bethesda’s code. concept documents. planning documents. With the common elements discussed above. there is more than a substantial similarity between FALLOUT SHELTER and the Westworld mobile game. including source code. Behaviour and Warner Bros.
artwork. Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Defendants have benefited and will continue to benefit unfairly from the breach of the Agreement. 54. Consequently. disclosure. production. including the computer code. and Behaviour leveraged Behaviour’s access to and knowledge of FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets to develop the Westworld mobile game. Consequently. contributed to and is vicariously liable for Behaviour’s poaching of Bethesda’s creative work of authorship and goodwill. 23 . Consequently. 56. and other assets used in the execution of its game development. game design. The Westworld game infringes Bethesda’s creative work of authorship and goodwill. Bethesda has the legal right to maintain the confidentiality of its trade secrets and prevent competitors from developing similar games by misappropriating Bethesda’s intellectual property. including its non-disclosure. and distribution of the Westworld mobile game. without Bethesda’s consent. and creation of unauthorized derivative works in violation of Bethesda’s rights. assignment. distribution. and use of Bethesda’s trade secrets in the development. Behaviour has materially breached its Agreement with Bethesda. have misappropriated the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. and confidentiality provisions. public performance. 58. INJURY TO BETHESDA AND THE PUBLIC 55. has benefited and will continue to benefit unfairly from its secondary infringement of Bethesda’s copyrights. using Bethesda’s intellectual property. Bethesda derives economic value from FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. Behaviour and Warner Bros. Defendants have benefited and will continue to benefit unfairly from the acquisition. Warner Bros. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 24 of 34 53. 57. Defendants have benefitted unfairly from the reproduction.
including non-disclosure. Behaviour and Warner Bros. induced Behaviour to breach the Agreement. in its development of the Westworld mobile game. described above. Bethesda and Behaviour entered into the Agreement. INDUCEMENT TO BREACH OF CONTRACT 66. described above. 60. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 25 of 34 59. 65. will continue to injure irreparably Bethesda.’ acts. 61. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. and confidentiality provisions. CLAIMS FOR RELIEF COUNT I AGAINST BEHAVIOUR BREACH OF CONTRACT 64. have irreparably injured. 62. have caused irreparable and actual harm and are likely to cause irreparable and actual harm to Bethesda. described above.’ acts. which included material non-disclosure. and confidentiality provisions. 67. and. assignment. 63. Behaviour’s breach has caused irreparable harm under the express terms of the Agreement. have at all times been knowing and willful. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. Consequently. COUNT II AGAINST WARNER BROS.’ acts. if permitted to persist. Behaviour breached material terms of the Agreement. Behaviour and Warner Bros. assignment. 24 . Behaviour and Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Defendants have benefited and will continue to benefit unfairly from Behaviour’s breach of the Agreement.
as described above. 72. DIRECT COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT 17 U. Bethesda owns a valid and subsisting copyright registration for FALLOUT SHELTER. Bethesda has not authorized Behaviour or Warner Bros. 69.S. game assets. 25 . 71. Behaviour and Warner Bros. game mechanics. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. display. have directly infringed the Bethesda’s copyrights by reproducing. 76. reproduce. 70. 74. §§ 101 ET SEQ. inducement. Warner Bros. induced Behavior to use Bethesda’s intellectual property in violation of the material provisions of the Agreement to develop the Westworld mobile game. 75. had actual and/or constructive knowledge of the Agreement between Bethesda and Behaviour and had actual and/or constructive knowledge that all intellectual property resulting from the Agreement was owned by Bethesda. Warner Bros. was not a party to the Agreement. distribute. distributing. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 26 of 34 68. or create derivative works from its source-code. directly benefitted financially from their infringement of Bethesda’s registered copyrights.C. and creating unauthorized derivative works from FALLOUT SHELTER with actual notice of Bethesda’s rights. 73. to use. Behaviour breached material provisions of the Agreement in response to Warner Bros. Warner Bros. COUNT III AGAINST BEHAVIOUR AND WARNER BROS. displaying. Behaviour and Warner Bros. or copyright-protected materials in any way.
C. induced. CONTRIBUTORY COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT 17 U. 79. Behaviour and Warner Bros. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 27 of 34 COUNT IV AGAINST WARNER BROS. 78. 82. and creating unauthorized derivative works from FALLOUT SHELTER with actual notice of Bethesda’s rights. displaying. COUNT V AGAINST WARNER BROS. Behaviour and Warner Bros. 26 . Behaviour and Warner Bros. directly benefited financially from their infringement of Bethesda’s rights.’ infringement was at all times willful and intentional.S. caused. 77. 80.’ infringement despite its actual notice of Bethesda’s rights. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. §§ 101 ET SEQ. have directly infringed the Bethesda’s copyrights by reproducing. and/or contributed to the infringement of Bethesda’s copyrights by materially contributing to Behaviour’s direct infringement despite its actual notice of Bethesda’s rights. 83. 81. §§ 101 ET SEQ. caused. VICARIOUS COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT 17 U. as described above.S. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. distributing. Behaviour induced. and/or contributed to the infringement of Bethesda’s copyrights by materially contributing to Behaviour’s Warner Bros.C. Warner Bros.
is aware or reasonably should have been aware of Bethesda’s ownership of the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. has a direct financial interest in Behaviour’s infringing activities through the resulting reduced costs and expedited development of the Westworld mobile game. Warner Bros. directly and materially benefited financially from its vicarious infringement of Bethesda’s rights. 90. Bethesda derives economic value from maintaining the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. has the right and ability to control Behaviour’s infringing activities. The FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets are not generally known to the public. 94. 92. Bethesda owns the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets.C. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. COUNT VI AGAINST BEHAVIOUR AND WARNER BROS. Warner Bros. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 28 of 34 84. 86. and creating unauthorized derivative works from FALLOUT SHELTER with actual notice of Bethesda’s registered copyrights. 85. MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS UNDER 18 U. distributing. displaying. Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Behaviour and Warner Bros.S. §§ 1836 ET SEQ. 87. 91. 88. Behaviour is aware of the confidentiality and existence of the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. 27 . 89. knowingly used the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets in the development of the Westworld mobile game. Behaviour has directly infringed the Bethesda’s copyrights by reproducing. 93.
CODE ANN. Bethesda owns the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. COUNT VII AGAINST BEHAVIOUR AND WARNER BROS. 97. 100. MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS UNDER MD. UNFAIR COMPETITION 104. knowingly used the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets in the development of the Westworld mobile game. Bethesda derives economic value from maintaining the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. 101. Behaviour is aware of the confidentiality and existence of the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 29 of 34 95. The Westworld mobile game misappropriates the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets in interstate and foreign commerce. §§ 11-1201 ET SEQ. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint. 96. 99. 103. Warner Bros. 102. 28 . 98. The Westworld mobile game misappropriates the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets in interstate and foreign commerce including in this District COUNT VIII AGAINST BEHAVIOUR AND WARNER BROS. is aware or reasonably should have been aware of Bethesda’s ownership the FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets. Behaviour and Warner Bros. The FALLOUT SHELTER Trade Secrets are not generally known to the public. Bethesda repeats and realleges each and every allegation set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this Complaint.
in amounts to be proven at trial. 29 . Behaviour and Warner Bros. d. awarding statutory damages for willful copyright infringement pursuant to 17 U. § 504(c). 106. Behaviour has breached its contract with Bethesda related to the development of FALLOUT SHELTER. including the following: a. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE. 107. Bethesda requests that this Court enter judgment in its favor on each and every claim for relief set forth above and award it relief. their agents. have relied on each of these unlawful and unfair actions alone and in combination to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the video game market. or. have misappropriated Bethesda’s trade secrets related to the related to its FALLOUT SHELTER game as described herein. That an Order be entered against Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros.C. That an Order be entered against Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros. pursuant to 17 U. to remove each and every version of the Westworld mobile game from distribution and to cease developing and supporting the game. Behaviour and Warner Bros.S. in the alternative. or anyone working for. c. Plaintiff’s actual damages and Defendants’ profits from infringement. That an Order be entered granting injunctive or other equitable relief pursuant to the agreed contract provisions between Plaintiff and Defendant Behaviour. preventing and restraining Defendants. § 504(b).C. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 30 of 34 105. in concert with. and unlawful or unfair business conduct. or on their behalf from infringement of Plaintiff’s copyrights.S. misappropriation of Plaintiff’s trade secrets. b. at Plaintiff’s election. That an Order be entered granting injunctive relief against Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros.
for actual damages as Plaintiff has sustained in an amount to make Plaintiff whole from the effects of Defendants’ unlawful acts. in an amount to be determined due to the foregoing willful acts. That Plaintiff be granted prejudgment and post-judgment interest as permitted by law. as permitted by law. i. P.C.S.S. Bethesda respectfully demands a trial by jury on all issues properly triable by a jury in this action. to pay Plaintiff its costs and attorneys’ fees in this action pursuant to 17 U. to pay Plaintiff punitive damages. Other relief as the Court may deem appropriate. JURY DEMAND Pursuant to Fed. That an Order be entered requiring Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros. f. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 31 of 34 e. Civ. § 505. 38. That an Order be entered against Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros. g. 30 . 15 U. h. R. § 1117(a). and/or the agreed contract provisions between Plaintiff and Defendant Behaviour.C. That an Order be entered requiring Defendants Behaviour and Warner Bros.
Rettew (MD Bar No. Esquenet Margaret A. LLP nicholas. CA 94304 Telephone: (650) 849-6600 Facsimile: (650) 849-6666 Attorneys for Plaintiff Bethesda Softworks LLC 31 .com 901 New York Avenue. Petrella (pro hac vice to be filed) FINNEGAN. D. GARRETT & DUNNER. NW Washington. HENDERSON. 20001-4413 Telephone: (202) 408-4000 Facsimile: (202) 408-4400 Nicholas D.esquenet@finnegan. FARABOW. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 32 of 34 Dated: June 21. LLP margaret. 29815) FINNEGAN. FARABOW. Esquenet (MD Bar No.rettew@finnegan. 2018 Respectfully submitted.C.com doug.com 3300 Hillview Avenue Palo Alto. GARRETT & DUNNER. /s/ Margaret A. 27775) Douglas A.petrella@finnegan. HENDERSON.
MISAPPROPRIATION OF TRADE SECRETS. ENTERTAINMENT. AND UNFAIR Defendants. Plaintiff. v. and INFRINGEMENT. INFRINGEMENT. COMPETITION JURY TRIAL DEMANDED INDEX OF EXHIBITS TO THE COMPLAINT Exhibit A: Copy of Wikipedia article about FALLOUT 3 Exhibit B: Copy of Wikipedia article about FALLOUT 4 Exhibit C: Copy of Game Rant article about Fallout Shelter success Exhibit D: Copy of Games Radar article about Fallout Shelter success Exhibit E: Copy of the Westworld mobile game website Exhibit F: Copy of Forbes article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit G: Copy of Shacknews article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit H: Copy of VentureBeat article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit I: Copy of Pocket Gamer article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER 1 . TRADE DRESS WARNER BROS. Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 33 of 34 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND SOUTHERN DIVISION BETHESDA SOFTWORKS LLC. COPYRIGHT BEHAVIOUR INTERACTIVE. COMPLAINT FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT. CASE NO. INC.
Case 8:18-cv-01846-PX Document 1 Filed 06/21/18 Page 34 of 34 Exhibit J: Copy of Den of Geek article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit K: Copy of CinemaBlend article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit L: Copy of Kotaku article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit M: Copy of GameCrate YouTube web page with the Westworld mobile game trailer and commentary about the similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER Exhibit N: Copy of Beyond Westworld article about the Westworld mobile game’s similarity to FALLOUT SHELTER 2 .
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References: § 1367
 § 1332
 § 1121
 § 1391
 § 504
 § 504
 § 505
 § 1117
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