Tokyo, Japan is home to local businesses that offer rides to tourists in go-karts, letting them see the sights from the seat of a small car. One of these companies took things further than just that, dressing up as Mario Kart characters, and even letting riders wear costumes as well. A majority of their webpage's marketing also revolves around showing off customers dressed in Toad, Luigi, Yoshi, and Mario cosplay. It goes by the name "MariCar", even sounding slightly similar to its inspiration. Of course, Nintendo wasn't going to stand for their intellectual properties being used without licensing, so early last year, they filed a lawsuit against the company, demanding that they remove all references to the Mario Kart series and characters. Over a year later, Tokyo's District Court has made a ruling in the case, siding in favor of Nintendo. MariCar, which has rebranded to MariMobility must pay $90,000 in damages to Nintendo, and can no longer use Nintendo's owned properties to attract customers.

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[Dominator211]

Once Again they spent a lot of money on lawsuits instead of actually improving things... SMH

 

[Taffy]

Dammit nintendo, don't ruin our fun!

You're the ones who MAKE the fun!

 

[Xzi]

Once Again they spent a lot of money on lawsuits instead of actually improving things... SMH

They don't have money for both? Pretty sure their legal division is separate from their gaming division.

 

[Chary]

Can't Nintendo at least open their own version? It's such a cute idea...

 

[Pluupy]

Kinda funny seeing all of those people behind the gokart drivers. All wearing black and grey colors. Going about their day as these loud gokarts pass by the cafes.

 

[Dominator211]

They don't have money for both? Pretty sure their legal division is separate from their gaming division.

they may get separate divisions but where does the legal division get their money from

 

[ConKonner]

Can't Nintendo at least open their own version? It's such a cute idea...

My thoughts exactly.....nintendont are just being foolish instead of using the ideas people come up with....would give them more money and make them even more popular

 

[Pluupy]

they may get separate divisions but where does the legal division get their money from

Corporate. Billing. Human resources.

 

[Dominator211]

Corporate. Billing. Human resources.

doesnt matter different divisions nintendo is nintendo

 

[Axido]

Can't Nintendo at least open their own version? It's such a cute idea...

They made their own AM2R, so there's hope.

doesnt matter different divisions nintendo is nintendo

You're not really informed about Nintendos financial reserves, are you?

 

[Deleted User]

The guy in the Yoshi suit looks so happy. It's adorable.

Also, while yeah, this is just Nintendo's legal department using their signature big-stick strategy, this is one of the more egregious cases (a for-profit case), so I can't really defend the go-kart company here. It's not like it's a fangame, being distributed for free with no intent of profit.

 

[Minox]

Once Again they spent a lot of money on lawsuits instead of actually improving things... SMH

I mean, it's blatant misuse of Nintendo's IP for monetary gains. Nintendo has every right in the world to shut them down. Much like Chary I hope that they would see the success and open up their own franchise instead.

 

[Dominator211]

I mean, it's blatant misuse of Nintendo's IP for monetary gains. Nintendo has every right in the world to shut them down. Much like Chary I hope that they would see the success and open up their own franchise instead.

yes, you are correct they do have every right but isn't this getting a little obsessive. attacking small groups or even individuals. Case in point a youtube called skullrator got 2 copyright strikes from Nintendo in under 24 hours for seemingly nothing at all

 

[the_randomizer]

Oh no, a company is protecting their IP, time to crucify them!

 

[chrisrlink]

geeze they can sue AND Rip them off a nintendo tourism division would be lucrative and a big boost to Japan's tourism industry on the other hand i'm starting to wonder if nintendo got to a local electronic repair shop (it has since closed down) called Yoshi's tronics and he was stupid enough to use nintendo references @ B_E_P_I_S_M_A_N oh this is one time I agree with nintendo on this one cause yeah it's for profit

 

[Asia81]

Ok, so a lowcost red/green cosplay and red/green karts are IP?
What's wrong?

 

[osaka35]

Copyright laws need to be fixed, for sure, but copyright itself is a noble goal. Make a thing, and you are recognized as owner of the thing made by everyone. You have sole rights to the thing, especially when it comes to profit and credit. (copyright, among other things)

Nintendo has as much right to protect themselves from someone making money off their characters as I do for any characters I create for a video game. This company was blatantly using someone else's hard work in order to make a profit for themselves with no permission or respect. Serves them right.

Personally, it'd be nice if they had tried to work out a licensing deal or created their own thing. Because I absolutely adore the idea.

 

[Arras]

Ok, so a lowcost red/green cosplay and red/green karts are IP?
What's wrong?

You might have a point if it weren't for the blue overalls over the colored suits, the hats with letters on them and the literal yoshi and toad hats. Also the company name.

 

[GameSystem]

If Nintendo DIDN'T win this lawsuit I'd actually lose all faith in the legal system.