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Hasbro Interactive Successfully Settles Intellectual Property Suit
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 Leading PC and video game publisher Hasbro Interactive, Inc., announced today it has reached a favorable settlement in the intellectual property lawsuit against software companies distributing `knock-off' versions of several Atari games. eGames, MVP Software and Webfoot Technologies consented to a federal court judgement that acknowledges Hasbro Interactive's copyrights to popular properties, such as CENTIPEDE, MISSILE COMMAND, ASTEROIDS and DIG DUG, and prohibits the sale of games cited in the suit (see following page for full list). The settlement also includes a payment to Hasbro Interactive for an undisclosed amount. "This is a content-driven business, making the protection of our intellectual property among our highest priorities," commented Hasbro General Counsel Barry Nagler. "We're pleased that these companies and the court have acknowledged the validity of our copyrights and, additionally, believe that this will alleviate consumer confusion about the authenticity of the games they purchase." Hasbro Interactive acquired the rights to many Atari properties for the home consumer market in 1998. Since then, Hasbro Interactive has been successful in developing and releasing new, 3D PC and video games based on CENTIPEDE, MISSILE COMMAND and, under exclusive license, TETRIS. This fall, Hasbro Interactive will release the much anticipated 3D Pac-Man PC-CD-ROM game, as well as all-new 3D versions of the Atari classics, GALAGA and BREAKOUT, for the PC and PlayStation® game console. "The protection of our core assets is critical to ensuring Hasbro Interactive delivers to the marketplace the highest quality, best-playing games possible, so consumers continue to have a great experience with our games," added Hasbro InteractivePresident Tom Dusenberry. Under the terms of the settlement, eGames, MVP Software and Webfoot will cease sales of the following games: "3D Astro Blaster," "Astro-3D," "Debris," "Debris 32," "Intergalactic Exterminator," "3D Bug Attack," "Missile Launch," "Missile 2000," "3D TetriMadness," "TetriMania," "TetriMania Master," "3D TetriMania," "XTRIS," "Trix," "Smart Boxes," "Columns Millennium," "3D Geo Mania," "3D Maze Man," "3D Chomper," "Maniac Maze," "3D Frog Man," "3D Ms. Maze," "3D Munch Man," "3D Munch Man II," "3D Crunch Man," "Tunnel Blaster," and "UnderWorld." The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, Massachusetts, in February. An earlier settlement was reached with two other defendants named in the suit, GT Interactive and Varcon Systems. Hasbro Interactive, Inc. is a global interactive entertainment industry leader, innovating new ways to play and developing, publishing and distributing the highest quality interactive games and lifestyle products for a full range of genres and platforms. A subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., Hasbro Interactive has offices in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany and Australia, and internal development studios in the U.S. and U.K. For further information, visit Hasbro Interactive's Web site. Hasbro is a worldwide leader in the children's and family leisure time and entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, KENNER, TONKA, ODDZON, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, HASBRO INTERACTIVE, MICROPROSE, GALOOB and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. [Posted 9/07/2000]
  
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