Al Lowe is looking to sue Wisecrack Games over its crowdfunded project Sam Suede for 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, though he is not currently working on the project.
“I think the blatant misuse of the Leisure Suit Larry name and copyrighted material shows clear disregard for copyright law,” said Reply founder Paul Trowe. “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.”
Wisecrack claims to have violated no copyrights of Replay stating, “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. 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 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.”
Source: GamesBeat
