Nintendo IP stolen by Windows Store apps

Microsoft maintains responsibility for reporting infringements is with copyright holder

A flood of apps illicitly using Nintendo IP have appeared on the Windows Store.

According to BGR, apps like Mario Jump!, Bowser Town Defense, Pokemon Attack!, and Yoshijump are all available on Microsoft's new digital sales platform, breaking the rules of the marketplace.

A few of these apps have even worked their way to the upper ranks of the Windows 8 Store.

While Microsoft has said it would take a strong stance against apps that violate copyright, it consistently places the responsibility for reporting such violations with the trademark holder.

Nintendo has been fairly religious about keeping its IP exclusive to its own platforms, so it's surprising that the company hasn't yet lodged a complaint.

Even with such obvious violations, Microsoft maintains that it can't go about patting down submissions for violating copyright.

"With regards to trademark infringement, with every app there is an option to report the app for violating the Windows Store's Terms of Use," a Microsoft spokesperson told Pocketgamer.biz.

"If a company feels a Windows Store app is infringing on their copyrights or trademarks, they should report the app and we will take immediate action to determine if the app should be removed from the Windows Store."

http://www.develop-online.net/news/n...e-apps/0184380