Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) is firing back at rival game maker
Electronic Arts in a legal tussle filed by the latter in San Francisco federal
court, had accused Zynga of copying key elements of its popular "The Sims
Social" game for Zynga's own title, "The Ville".
Zynga a dominant publisher of games on Facebook, has
been accused of obtaining “private” information about the Sims game after
hiring three of Electronic Arts top employees shortly before its launch.
The document in court filling on Friday said that Zynga has
reached a deal with Electronic Arts in 2011 with lawful restrictions on how
Zynga solicits Electronic Arts employees. In exchange, Electronic Arts released
Zynga from legal claims surrounding its hiring practices.
With intention of making its information blacked out of
public view, it inadvertently made those details public in its Friday court
filling.
In the filling Zynga said that by initiating its lawsuit
last month Electronic Arts breached promises it made in 2011 deal. Hence, Zygna
declined to comment on the material that was intended to be redacted.
John Reseberg Electronic Arts spokesman, on Friday called
Zynga's claims "a predictable subterfuge," which aimed at diverting
attention from its copying of other artists.
Reseberg said "Zynga would be better served trying to
hold onto the shrinking number of employees they've got, rather than suing to
acquire more."
According to Zynga's filing, an Electronic Arts lawyer told
Zynga that Electronic Arts Chief Executive John Riccitiello was
"adamant" about obtaining a no-hire agreement that would shut down
Zynga's ability to hire Electronic Arts employees.
In September 2011, a non-monetary settlement agreement was
to be signed between Zygna and Electronic Arts, Zygna filling said.
That deal included "lawful, appropriate and extremely
narrow non-solicit restrictions" in the context of a non-monetary
settlement agreement, according to the filing.
Zygna’s general counsel, Reggie Davis, said in a statement
that Electronic Arts copying claims have no merit. In the filing, Zynga said
Electronic Arts "undertook an anti-competitive and unlawful scheme to stop
Zynga from hiring its employees."
The case in U.S. District Court, Northern District of
California is Electronic Arts Inc. vs. Zynga Inc., 12-4099.
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