3 Count: Hostile Environment

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1: Tech Giants Warn US of Hostile Copyright Environment in EU and Russia

First off today, Ernesto Van der Sar at Torrentfreak writes that several major tech companies including Amazon, Facebook, Google Twitter, Cloudflare and Mozilla, have sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative expressing concern over a “hostile” copyright environment in the EU and Russia.

The letter was sent through the Computer & Communications Industry Association, which represents the firms in question, expresses concern over new legislation in those regions, including Article 17 of the new EU Copyright Directive, which requires tech companies to either license uploaded content or block their re-upload.

The letter also expressed concern about Russia’s “Mirrors Law” that requires search engines to remove pirate websites from their results within 24 hours of being notified. The group hopes that the USTR will recognize their concerns of liability in these countries and include them in the upcoming Special 301 report.

2: Platinum Says Astral Chain ‘Is Nintendo’s IP’ After Fans Notice Copyright Change

Next up today, Andy Robinson at Video Games Chronicle reports that the video game developer Platinum Games has clarified that Nintendo is the owner of the Astral Chain IP after a change to the game’s copyright notice caused confusion among fans.

The story began back in February 2020 when, in an interview, the developers said that they couldn’t rule out the game appearing on non-Nintendo platforms. However, since then, the copyright notice on the game has been altered to no longer say Nintendo/Platinum Games to just saying Nintendo.

It is unclear whether Platinum has transferred its part of the rights to Nintendo or if they realized that Nintendo was truly the sole rightsholder in the IP. Either way, Platinum Games has confirmed Nintendo is the sole rightsholder in the IP and this kills any hopes of the series appearing on non-Nintendo platforms.

3: Smash Bros. YouTube Channels Are Being Hit with Copyright Strikes from Square Enix And Atlus

Finally today, Raul Velasquez at The Gamer reports that several YouTube channels that specialize in the game Super Smash Bros. report being hit by copyright strikes from Square Enix and Atlus, over music featured in the game.

Super Smash Bros. is a Nintendo-made game but features characters, music and other intellectual property from other companies including Square Enix and Atlus.

The companies have also been targeting YouTube channels that feature music from their video games, including themes present in Super Smash Bros. This has been part of a broader push by Square Enix to make their music available on Spotify and other streaming services.

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