Hasbro puts an end to Google Maps RISK game

Sorry folks, the popular Google Maps game of RISK is no longer. It seems Hasbro Inc. has issued a cease and desist letter to the creator of the Google Maps game to take the game down immediately.

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

Hasbro also owns the trademark rights to the RISK name. Your unauthorized use of the RISK game constitutes copyright infringement in violation of 17 U.S.C. 501. Your unauthorized use of the RISK name also violates the federal trademark laws, including 15 U.S.C. 1114(1) and 1125(a), by creating a likelihood of confusion with respect to Hasbro.s authorization or sponsorship of or association with your commercial activities. Even if confusion were not likely, your unauthorized use of these elements is likely to dilute the distinctive quality of the RISK game and trademark and hamper their ability to function as source-identifying marks in violation of 15 U.S.C. 1125(c) and numerous state anti-dilution laws. We therefore demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further use of the RISK game and mark by removing the Game and all references to it from your website. (Read the full letter here..)

Maybe Hasbro has plans of adding a Google Maps version of their game to their website? Likely not. Personally, I think a game like this created by your own game-playing community only builds interest and excitement around your product. At least hire the guy on that created it to build you one to your liking..

The game's creator has this to say:
"...If anyone has any recommendations for games that could be made on Google Maps, that won't draw out the lawyers, I'd be pleased to work on it, now that I'll have plenty of free time."
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