Title: Dan Ackerman Files Lawsuit Against Apple Claiming Copyright Infringement in Recent Tetris Film
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Award-winning author and editor-in-chief of Gizmodo, Dan Ackerman, has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Apple and others, alleging that the Apple TV+ film “Tetris” illegally copied from his book. Ackerman’s book, titled “The Tetris Effect: The Game That Hypnotized the World,” hit the shelves in 2016 and provides an in-depth exploration of the origins of the popular video game and the battle for licensing rights.
According to court documents filed on Monday in the United States District Court in Manhattan, Ackerman claimed that he sent a pre-publication copy of his book to Tetris Co. in 2016. However, the company rejected any potential collaboration regarding the book and subsequently sent him a cease-and-desist letter. Now, Ackerman is seeking a minimum of $4.8 million in damages, equivalent to 6% of the film’s estimated $80 million production budget. Alternatively, he is requesting statutory damages of up to $150,000 per copyright infringed, in addition to attorney’s fees and costs.
The lawsuit targets Apple, screenwriter Noah Pink, Tetris Co., and Tetris CEO Maya Rogers, accusing them of copyright infringement and unfair competition. While the Tetris Co. stated it is reviewing the lawsuit and believes it lacks merit, both Apple and Noah Pink have yet to respond to requests for comment.
Ackerman’s suit emphasizes that the film “Tetris,” which premiered on Apple TV+ on March 31, 2023, possesses substantial similarities to his book, with specific chapters and pages allegedly being utilized without his knowledge, authorization, or consent. The film narrates the true story of video game salesman Henk Rogers and his discovery of Tetris in 1988. A talented cast including Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Sofia Lebedeva, and Anthony Boyle brings the story to life under the direction of Jon S. Baird. Marv Films, AI Film, Unigram, and Gillian Berrie teamed up to produce the film.
The legal battle between Ackerman and Apple adds an unexpected twist to the release of “Tetris” on Apple TV+. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly attract attention from both the gaming and entertainment communities. Experts predict that this lawsuit may set a precedent for future copyright disputes in the film industry. Apple and Noah Pink’s responses will likely shape the trajectory of the litigation, which may have significant implications for the intellectual property rights of authors and content creators alike.
The Puck Drop will continue to monitor the developments of this case closely and provide updates accordingly.
