Konami and Cygames reach settlement in Umamusume: Pretty Derby patent dispute

Konami Digital Entertainment and Cygames have reached a settlement in their patent dispute concerning Cygames’ mobile title Umamusume: Pretty Derby, the companies confirmed in statements released on Friday.

The legal conflict began in March 2023, when Konami alleged that Umamusume: Pretty Derby infringed upon 18 of its patents and sought more than 4 billion yen (approximately £20.7 million) in damages.

The publisher also demanded that Cygames cease production, distribution, and use of the game. Cygames responded by filing invalidation trials against all patents involved.

In its latest statement, Cygames said it had “decided to settle the disagreement to ensure that players can continue to enjoy Umamusume: Pretty Derby in the long run,” while maintaining that it “remains confident that no patent infringement has occurred.”

Konami and Cygames both expressed mutual respect for each other’s creative efforts and the wider gaming community. “We will respect each other’s creative works and strive to provide content and services that please our customers,” Konami stated.

Cygames echoed this sentiment, noting that it “respects the efforts of creators at companies in the game industry, including Konami Digital Entertainment, and the numerous games they have created.”

The specific terms of the settlement remain confidential. Neither company has disclosed which elements of Umamusume: Pretty Derby were at issue, although earlier reports indicated the disagreement related to aspects of the game’s systems and programming.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby is a Japanese mobile and anime franchise centred on anthropomorphised racehorses who compete and train under player guidance. Since its debut in 2018, the franchise has gained a significant following in Japan and abroad.

Both companies have indicated they intend to focus on future creative collaboration and continued support for their respective audiences.