Konami Wins Court Appeal Against Upper Deck on Yu-Gi-Oh!

The Amsterdam Court of Appeal last week ruled in favor of Konami Digital Entertainment (KDE) in appeal proceedings against Upper Deck International (UDI) over distribution of Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card games.

The court ruled that KDE's termination of the distribution agreement with UDI in December was lawful. It follows a case in California regarding the distribution of counterfeit trading cards.

"This is a terrific victory for the legions of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG duelists worldwide," says Kunio Neo, president of Konami Digital Entertainment. "Managing all aspects of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG business directly, not just in Asia and North America, but globally, will allow Konami Digital Entertainment to strengthen and protect the integrity of the brand throughout the world."

Upper Deck International, which is considering taking further legal steps, said that it condemns any counterfeit activities.

"The ruling, however, does not contain any reference to UDI being involved in any counterfeit activities as Konami has never filed any complaints against UDI regarding this matter. UDI strongly condemns any form of counterfeit. Konami has terminated the relation with UDI because of alleged counterfeit activities by Upper Deck Company LLC in North America; even though lawsuits in the U.S. are still undecided. UDI is a separate legal entity and does not report to UDC LLC.

"UDI has always invested in and protected the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand and the interests of its international community of players and will always continue to do so. Konami recognizes UDI's commitment by recently requesting UDI to continue organizing the YGO National Tournaments."