Arcade Game Pack Counterfeiters Indicted In UltraCade Case
by Leigh Alexander
July 10, 2009The former owner of UltraCade Technologies has been indicted on charges that he counterfeited game packs for his classic arcade game business following its sale to Global VR, and sold them for his personal profit.
According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, David Russell Foley and Michael Daddona, who allegedly bought the stolen software from Foley, were named in a 35-count indictment including charges of conspiracy, trafficking in counterfeit goods and theft of trade secrets, among other fraud charges.
San Jose-based UltraCade created an officially licensed classic arcade game product line, including game packs. Foley sold the company and its IP in 2006 to fellow San Jose company -- and one of the major remaining arcade firms -- Global VR (Justice League Heroes United).
A version of the UltraCade classic arcade technology continues to be sold by Global VR under the Global Arcade Classics brand, including licensed games from Konami (Frogger), Atari (Asteroids), and many more.
However, Foley is accused of secretly manufacturing and selling counterfeit game packs for the system following the sale to Global VR, in association with Daddona, after secretly retaining the technology that allows game packs to be made.
Daddona is owner of Connecticut arcade company Automated Services, and is accused of knowingly advertising the counterfeit packs on eBay at lower prices than the official ones -- as well as selling them as if they were official Global VR packs.
Gamasutra has obtained a copy of the full indictment in the case -- which also reveals that the duo were selling games not even licensed by Global VR from companies such as Nintendo, Namco, and Taito -- and will be following up with a more detailed story in the near future.
via gamasutra.com
