Ultima's creator Richard Garriott is planning to win back the rights to his legendary RPG from EA with an 50-year-old copyright quirk
Ultima’s creator may reclaim his iconic RPG franchise from EA using a decades-old copyright loophole
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The brief
Richard Garriott, creator of the *Ultima* series, is reportedly leveraging a 50-year-old copyright rule to potentially regain control of the franchise from Electronic Arts (EA). Coverage suggests Garriott could bypass EA’s licensing agreement by exploiting a legal technicality related to copyright renewal or ownership transfer, with some outlets framing this as a long-awaited opportunity to revive the series under his direction.
Tech-focused and gaming outlets—including *TechSpot*, *HotHardware*, and *Eurogamer*—are highlighting the potential implications for fans and the broader gaming industry. Watch for legal clarifications, EA’s response, and whether Garriott secures the necessary rights to proceed.
The outcome may also influence discussions around intellectual property in gaming and retro franchises.
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Quick answers
What is the 50-year-old copyright quirk being referenced?
Coverage does not specify the exact legal mechanism, but outlets suggest it involves a loophole in copyright renewal or ownership transfer rules from the mid-20th century that could allow Garriott to reclaim rights to *Ultima*.
Will EA challenge Garriott’s move?
No details on EA’s stance are provided in current reports, but legal disputes over IP rights are common in such cases. Watch for statements from EA or its legal team in the coming days.
Could this affect other retro game franchises?
The trend may spark broader discussions about copyright expiration and IP recovery for older franchises, but no direct comparisons or similar cases are mentioned in the coverage.
Coverage (5)
- A 35-year-old copyright rule could let Ultima's creator make a new game EA can't stop TechSpot · 2d ago
- Lord British May Bypass EA To Revive Legendary Ultima Franchise In 2027 HotHardware · 2d ago
- "Finally, The Time Has Come" Time Extension · 2d ago
- Ultima Creator Is Reportedly Planning to Take Series Rights Back from EA 80 Level · 2d ago
- Ultima's creator Richard Garriott is planning to win back the rights to his legendary RPG from EA with an 50-year-old copyright quirk Eurogamer · 2d ago
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