Zenimax Slaps Copyright Infringement on Skyrim iOS App

Zenimax, publisher behind popular RPG franchise The Elder Scrolls, has taken legal action against the developer of the popular iOS App ‘Dragon Shout’, a completely free map-exploration application for Skyrim.

Originally reported on by Touch Arcade, Blalock has had a copyright infringement notice tossed his way, and with a side of confusion too, as he’s yet to receive the ever-typical cease and desist notice.

“ZeniMax didn’t specify what the app is specifically violating,” mentioned the developer.

“I did my best to ensure the app was not violating anything.

I looked up US trademarks and copyrights for ‘Dragon Shout’ and at the time there wasn’t any. I had the map hand drawn. I intentionally didn’t use any graphics or wording that would possibly be owned by [Zenimax subsidiary] Bethesda. So, I’m still not sure what they say the app violates.”

Research is still ongoing, but this isn’t the first time the lawyers from ol’ Zenimax have pounced on those who, by their definition, infringe on their brand.

As someone who actively uses the Dragon Shout application for Skyrim, I struggle to decipher exactly what harm it’s causing to Zenimax or any of its brands. The app is free to anyone with a supporting device and uses no copyrighted logos or artwork.

If anything, it’s free marketing for Zenimax and their game, wouldn’t you say?

Oh well, lawyers will be lawyers I suppose. Like stated earlier, the app is still available for download, which I actively encourage my peers to do — it’s a great, free app.

[via EuroGamer]