Cygames Wins Key Ruling in Patent Battle with Konami

Cygames Triumphs in Lawsuit Against Konami Over Umamusume

Cygames, the creator behind Umamusume: Pretty Derby, has scored a significant legal victory in its patent dispute with Konami. This decision, delivered on August 29, 2025, strengthens Cygames’ position in the broader lawsuit and marks an important turning point.

Underlying Patent Dispute Over Training and Support Mechanics

In 2023, Konami sued Cygames, alleging that Umamusume infringed on patents owned by their Power Pro series, specifically targeting its training system and “support card events.” However, the core training system patent had already expired after the standard 20-year term. The heart of the disagreement involved whether in-game events triggered by support cards constituted direct patent violation.

Court Invalidates Major Patents Used by Konami

Cygames responded by filing a countersuit to invalidate Konami’s cited patents. The court ruled in Cygames’ favor, nullifying most of the patents Konami had relied on. Although this ruling came from a lower court, it significantly weakens Konami’s stance and improves Cygames’ prospects in the main case.

What This Victory Could Mean

This outcome offers more than just a symbolic win.
Cygames gains a stronger legal footing and improved odds of success in further proceedings.
Konami faces mounting risk if they proceed to appeals, including potential liability for legal fees and the possibility of losing additional patents.
It reinforces the principle that being inspired by another game does not necessarily equate to infringing on intellectual property rights.

Significance for Game Development and IP Strategy

This case highlights how Cygames has managed its legal strategy carefully. Even when drawing inspiration from titles like Granblue Fantasy or Umamusume, the systems they implemented were designed to avoid legal issues. The ruling boosts confidence for Cygames and sends a message to developers in SEA and beyond that innovation is possible without fear if done responsibly.

Final Thought

Cygames’ legal win is more than courtroom drama. It is a defining moment for intellectual property and creative inspiration in gaming. The invalidation of patents does not just change the course of a legal battle, it changes how games can grow when developers balance imagination with legal awareness. This ruling protects more than a single game, it safeguards creative freedom and sets an example for the industry.

 origin gbfsisters