Indie publisher Devolver Digital has decided to take legal action against Erick Chatel, an artist and founder of the company ESC-Toy, which produces various merchandise. The company accused him of multiple years of copyright infringement.
Hotline Miami
The case was highlighted by the portal Aftermath. According to the lawsuit discovered by them, Devolver Digital had collaborated with Chatel's company in the past: ESC-Toy made collectible pins, t-shirts, and figures inspired by the popular action game Hotline Miami. In 2019, the collaboration ended. Despite this, the lawsuit claims, ESC-Toy continued to distribute branded merchandise without the company's permission.
Moreover, according to Devolver Digital, over the past seven years, Chatel has registered trademarks for a range of products based on the indie publisher's IP. At least 15 of them were related to Hotline Miami.
Another claim from Devolver Digital involves Dusted—Chatel's game, which is promoted as a spin-off of Hotline Miami. The company stated in the lawsuit that it did not consent to the use of the brand and believes that Chatel's actions mislead people and harm its reputation.
Devolver Digital is now requesting the court to prohibit Chatel and his company from selling the disputed products and to mandate them to pay compensation.