Disney Lorcana launch threatened by Upper Deck lawsuit

polygon.com:

The pending launch of Ravensburger’s Disney Lorcana trading card game is now threatened by an explosive new lawsuit issued by The Upper Deck Company. In the 19-page complaint, issued today to a California court, the rival publisher alleges that co-designer Ryan Miller previously created a similar game that is “nearly identical” to Disney Lorcana while under contract with Upper Deck. In addition to other requests for relief, Upper Deck is asking a judge for an injunction that would halt the release of Disney Lorcana, currently expected at this year’s Gen Con convention in August.

The game Upper Deck says it paid Miller to design is called Rush of Ikorr. It has not yet been released. Players are said to take on the role of gods, such as those once worshipped by ancient Greeks and indigenous Mesoamericans. The complaint goes into great detail to prove its claims that Disney Lorcana and Rush of Ikorr have the same or similar mechanics. It also calls into question Miller and Ravensburger’s intent with regard to sourcing the rules for their own game. From the complaint:

Throughout Miller’s time as lead game designer of Rush of Ikorr Miller had direct access to Upper Deck’s confidential, proprietary information, including, without limitation, Rush of Ikorr draft rules, concepts, components, designs, marketing strategies, and plans for implementation. On information and belief, Miller maintained access to these things even after terminating his relationship with Upper Deck and used, referenced, and/or otherwise relied on them to create Lorcana for Ravensburger. [...]

Rather than allow Miller to honor the Agreements and their terms, Upper Deck is informed and believes that Ravensburger induced and intended for Miller to breach