Jack Thompson vs. Mortal Kombat

Nate writes to mention the news that Jack Thompson has issued a cease and desist for the new Mortal Kombat:Armageddon title. Says Mr. Thompson: "It has today come to my attention that the newly recently Mortal Kombat: Armageddon contains an unauthorized commercial exploitation of my name, photograph, image, and likeness within the game." Thompson's likeness has appeared on websites in the game over the last few days as a result of his construction in the 'build-a-fighter' mode. His image is not actually a selectable character in the game, a fact he's chosen to skirt in his demands to Midway. If that's not enough Jack Thompson news for today, Game|Life has the video and commentary on Thompson's dressing down by the judge in the Bully case. Video courtesy of the Destructoid site.

"Celebrity"

[Enoxice]

Once you are a public figure (or 'celebrity', I guess) you give up certain privacy rights. You don't see Dubya suing SNL for using his likeness, do you?

Thompson needs to seriously get a grip.

Re:I bet he will win too

[sqlrob]

Lesse, trademarked superheros in a superhero game vs. parody of a public figure

Yeah, it's the same thing and Thompson will win </sarcasm>

Jack is to video games

[chroot_james]

what sco is to linux.

Re:"Celebrity"

[PsychicX]

So let's see the list of problems here:

1. As the parent mentions, he's a public figure. That puts his likeness up for grabs.
2. The game is user moddable, and this is a user mod. I could do an HL2 model of JT (theoretically) and shoot him up, and apparently that'd be Valve's fault.
3. He doesn't actually have an explanation of why any of this is illegal -- he's a lawyer and he doesn't like it, therefore it must be illegal.
4. He's already in danger of being held in contempt of court, you'd think he'd at least wait a couple weeks before making it clear he's a nutcase, again.

Re:Finish Him!!

[BadMrMojo]

You really think Jack Thompson has a heart?

Oh, Jack...

[Tickenest]

Thank God we have someone incompetent like Jack Thompson carrying the torch for this crusade instead of someone who actually knows what he's doing.