Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 1 of 44 Page ID #:1

1 MARC E. MAYER (SBN 190969)
mem@msk.com
2 MATTHEW S. BEASLEY (SBN 288070)
msb@msk.com
3 MITCHELL SILBERBERG & KNUPP LLP
11377 West Olympic Boulevard
4 Los Angeles, California 90064-1683
Telephone: (310) 312-2000
5 Facsimile: (310) 312-3100
6 Attorneys for Plaintiff
Riot Games, Inc.
7
8

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

9

CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

10
11 RIOT GAMES, INC., a Delaware
corporation,
12
Plaintiff,
13
v.
14
SHANGHAI MOONTON
15 TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., and
16 DOES 1-10, inclusive,
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28

Defendants.

CASE NO. 2:17-cv-4986
COMPLAINT FOR:
(1) COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
(2) TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT
(3) FALSE DESIGNATION OF
ORIGIN
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 2 of 44 Page ID #:2

1

Plaintiff Riot Games, Inc. (“Riot”) alleges as follows:

2
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

3
4

1.

Riot develops, publishes, distributes, and maintains the immensely

5 popular game titled “League of Legends” (“LoL”). Riot owns the copyright and
6 all related rights in LoL. Riot also owns registered trademarks in the word mark
7 “LEAGUE OF LEGENDS” and in LoL’s distinctive and original logo.
8

2.

This lawsuit involves the ongoing, willful and bad faith infringement

9 of Riot’s intellectual property rights, including its copyrights and trademarks, by
10 Shanghai Moonton Technology Co, Ltd. (“Moonton”) and those working in
11 concert with it. Moonton has developed and distributed a succession of mobile
12 games designed to trade off Riot’s well-known and valuable intellectual property:
13 Magic Rush: Heroes, Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA, and Mobile Legends: Bang
14 bang (collectively, the “Infringing Games”). Each of the Infringing Games
15 contains (or at one time contained) a vast array of elements that were directly and
16 deliberately appropriated from LoL, including but not limited to LoL’s characters,
17 artwork, map designs, and unit and monster designs. And, to add insult to injury,
18 Moonton marketed and distributed certain of its games with a logo that is
19 confusingly similar to Riot’s LoL logo, using the exact same font and color scheme
20 as Riot’s LoL logo.
21

3.

Moonton not only knows that its conduct is unlawful, but has engaged

22 in overt gamesmanship. Moonton created products that it knew to be infringing,
23 waited to receive an infringement claim from Riot, and in response to that claim
24 made only the most minimal adjustments while continuing to knowingly infringe.
25 Most notably, after Riot discovered Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA and notified
26 Google that the game was infringing, Moonton purported to remove the game from
27 the Google Play store. But that was simply a subterfuge. Immediately after
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 removing Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA, Moonton (without notifying Riot or
1

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 3 of 44 Page ID #:3

1 Google) released a “new” game, Mobile Legends: Bang bang. However, Mobile
2 Legends: Bang bang was not a new game at all, but in fact was the exact same
3 game as Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA, with some modest changes. This ploy of
4 “hide the ball” was part of Moonton’s deliberate business strategy, designed to
5 hamper Riot’s ability to protect its intellectual property. Meanwhile, even though
6 Moonton now has received multiple infringement notices from Riot, it continues to
7 infringe and to profit from its infringement.
8

4.

Moonton’s conduct has harmed Riot and its business, while enriching

9 Moonton. Riot is entitled to monetary damages and injunctive and other equitable
10 relief.
THE PARTIES

11
12

5.

Riot is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the

13 State of Delaware, with its principal place of business in Los Angeles, California.
14

6.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that Moonton

15 is a company based in the Huangpu district of Shanghai, China, with its principal
16 place of business at Flat A, Room 227, No 103, Nantangbang Road. Riot is
17 informed and believes that Moonton developed each of the Infringing Games, that
18 Moonton formerly published and distributed Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA, and that
19 Moonton currently publishes, distributes, maintains, and updates Mobile Legends:
20 Bang bang.
21

7.

The true names and capacities, whether individual, corporate,

22 associate, or otherwise, of the defendants sued herein as Does 1-10 inclusive, are
23 unknown to Riot, which has therefore sued said defendants by such fictitious
24 names. These defendants may include individuals whose real identities are not yet
25 known to Riot, but who are acting in concert with one another, often in the guise of
26 Internet aliases, in committing the unlawful acts alleged herein. Riot will seek
27 leave to amend this complaint to state their true names and capacities once said
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 defendants’ identities and capacities are ascertained. Riot is informed and
2

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 4 of 44 Page ID #:4

1 believes, and on that basis alleges, that all defendants sued herein are liable to Riot
2 as a result of their participation in all or some of the acts set forth in this complaint.
3 (All of the aforementioned defendants collectively are referred to herein as
4 “Defendants.”).
5

8.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that at all

6 times mentioned in this complaint, each of the Defendants was the agent of each of
7 the other Defendants and, in doing the things alleged in this complaint, was acting
8 within the course and scope of such agency.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE

9
10

9.

This is a civil action seeking damages, injunctive relief, and other

11 equitable relief, under the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.
12

10.

This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over Riot’s claims for

13 copyright and trademark infringement pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
14 Additionally, this Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C.
15 § 1332 because the amount in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $75,000,
16 and the action is between a California citizen and citizens of a foreign jurisdiction.
17

11.

This Court also has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because

18 they have purposefully directed their activities at the United States, and at
19 California in particular, have purposefully availed themselves of the benefits of
20 doing business in California, and have established a continuing presence in
21 California. Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that, without
22 limitation:
23

(a)

Defendants conduct extensive and ongoing business with customers in

24 the United States and the State of California;
25

(b)

Defendants distribute the Infringing Games in the United States and

26 the State of California through the services provided by at least two California
27 companies, Apple, Inc. (“Apple”) and Google, Inc. (“Google”);
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
3

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 5 of 44 Page ID #:5

1

(c)

Defendants have directed their unlawful activities at Riot, knowing

2 and intending that Riot would be harmed by Defendants’ conduct in the United
3 States and primarily in the State of California, where Riot has its principal place of
4 business;
5

(d)

Defendants advertise and market the Infringing Games in the United

6 States and the State of California, and communicate directly with users in the
7 United States and the State of California, including for the purposes of soliciting
8 purchases of the Infringing Games by such users;
9

(e)

Defendants enter into contracts with numerous California and U.S.

10 citizens, including each California resident that installs and plays the Infringing
11 Games on his or her mobile device. Defendants also collect revenue from in-app
12 purchases (or “microtransactions”) from users within the United States and the
13 state of California; and
14

(f)

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that

15 Defendants have entered into at least one agreement concerning the sale,
16 distribution, advertising and marketing of the Infringing Games in the United
17 States, including an agreement with a U.S. entity known as Elex Technology
18 Holdings Co., Ltd. (“Elex”).
19

12.

Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b)

20 because this is a judicial district in which a substantial part of the events giving rise
21 to the claims occurred, and/or in which Riot’s injury was suffered.
22

FACTS APPLICABLE TO ALL CLAIMS

23

Riot and “League of Legends”

24

13.

Riot is a game developer and publisher best known for its enormously

25 popular game “League of Legends” (“LoL”). Riot, with its partners and affiliates,
26 develops, publishes, markets, advertises, distributes, maintains, and services LoL
27 in numerous countries throughout the world. Riot owns valid registered copyrights
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 in LoL.
4

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 6 of 44 Page ID #:6

1

14.

LoL is a fast-paced, highly competitive online game. In LoL, two

2 five-player teams of powerful champions, each with a unique design and playstyle,
3 battle head-to-head across multiple computer-generated battlefields in a variety of
4 game modes and types. LoL blends the speed and intensity of a “real-time”
5 strategy game with elements of fantasy role-playing and character development.
6 LoL is a style of game sometimes referred to as a MOBA, an acronym for
7 “Multiplayer Online Battle Arena.”
8

15.

LoL is a highly creative game with a vast array of original and

9 protectable elements. Among the original and protectable elements contained in
10 LoL are its playable “champion” characters. LoL features more than 130
11 champions, each of which has a unique and distinctive appearance and possesses a
12 unique set of skills and abilities, represented in the game by a piece of original
13 artwork (also referred to as an “icon.”) At the start of each game, players select a
14 champion to play for the remainder of the game. As the game progresses, LoL
15 players select from a variety of unique equipment and items, each of which has an
16 original name and identifying icon, as well as a unique set of defined properties, to
17 enhance the abilities and strength of their champion. Each of the foregoing
18 elements, including the aforementioned characters, visual depictions of characters,
19 item artwork, icon artwork, as well as the combination, selection, and arrangement
20 of the foregoing elements, constitutes Riot’s protected expression.
21

16.

LoL’s gameplay takes place on original and distinctive computer-

22 generated battlefields or “maps,” each with different terrain, features, objectives,
23 and victory conditions. The most popular of LoL’s maps is “Summoner’s Rift.”
24 Summoner’s Rift is a highly detailed map that is comprised of three roads (or
25 “lanes”), a river that divides the map in two, and a dense “jungle” populated by
26 unique computer-controlled monsters, including the Red Brambleback, the Blue
27 Sentinel, the Elder Dragon, and Baron Nashor. At each end of Summoner’s Rift is
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 each team’s “Nexus,” which is a central base from which computer-controlled
5

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 7 of 44 Page ID #:7

1 “minions” appear (or “spawn”) and advance towards the enemy base on the map’s
2 lanes. Summoner’s Rift also contains numerous features and structures spread
3 throughout the map, including powerful defensive turrets and “inhibitors,” which,
4 when destroyed, provide an advantage to the destroying team. The object of a
5 Summoner’s Rift game is to destroy the opponent’s Nexus while protecting one’s
6 own Nexus. Summoner’s Rift has a distinct aesthetic appearance, manifested in its
7 specific color palate and its unique combination of terrain and environmental
8 features (such rocks, trees, and ancient stone structures and ruins).
9

17.

The overall layout of Summoner’s Rift is depicted below, and it also

10 appears throughout LoL on a “mini-map” displayed as part of the game’s user
11 interface:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 Every aspect and element of Summoner’s Rift has been carefully and thoughtfully
24 designed and put into place by LoL’s artists and game designers. The appearance,
25 placement, design, and layout of Summoner’s Rift, is distinctive, highly original,
26 and constitutes Riot’s protected expression.
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
6

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 8 of 44 Page ID #:8

1

18.

In addition to its rights in the LoL copyright, Riot has invested

2 enormous time, effort, and resources developing and promoting its LEAGUE OF
3 LEGENDS name and accompanying logo.
4
5
6
7
8
9 As a result, the LEAGUE OF LEGENDS name and logo have become known
10 throughout the United States and the world by consumers as signifying interactive
11 entertainment and related products and services originating from Riot. In addition
12 to its common law trademark, Riot is the owner of U.S. registrations in the U.S.
13 Patent and Trademark Office for its name and logo, including Registration Nos.
14 4576134, 4576135, 4614039, 3815808, 3756125, and 4164849. Riot’s common
15 law and federally registered trademarks herein are referred to collectively as the
16 “LoL Marks.”
17

Defendants and the Infringing Games

18

Magic Rush: Heroes

19

19.

In early 2016, Riot discovered the infringing game Magic Rush:

20 Heroes (“Magic Rush”). Magic Rush is a game designed for mobile devices such
21 as the iPad and Android-based smartphones and tablets. Magic Rush was, and is,
22 available on mobile platforms such as the iTunes App Store and Google Play
23 Store. Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that Magic Rush
24 was developed by Moonton and distributed and marketed in the United States by
25 Elex.
26

20.

As first released and sold to the public, Magic Rush contained a

27 number of playable heroes or champions, each of which was a near carbon copy of
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 one of LoL’s champions. For example, LoL features a champion known as
7

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 9 of 44 Page ID #:9

1 “Annie,” a young girl whose special abilities include the power to summon a toy
2 bear to stun and attack enemies and to shoot a fan-shaped spray of fire. Magic
3 Rush featured a hero known as “Emily,” a young girl whose abilities likewise
4 included the power to summon a toy bear to stun and attack enemies and to shoot a
5 fan-shaped spray of fire. As illustrated below, “Annie” and “Emily” not only are
6 similar in appearance, but also share a nearly identical set of powers and skills:
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Annie from LoL

Emily from Magic Rush

26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
8

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 10 of 44 Page ID #:10

1

21.

Dozens of other LoL champions also were blatantly copied in Magic

2 Rush, such as Lulu (Merlynn in Magic Rush), Sona (Muse in Magic Rush), Garen
3 (Bedivere in Magic Rush), Warwick (Jacob in Magic Rush), and many others. For
4 every one of these champions, Defendants appropriated not only the champion’s
5 overall look and appearance, but also his or her suite and combination of unique
6 abilities. Further exemplars of Defendants’ infringement of LoL’s champions in
7 Magic Rush are set forth in Exhibit A, which is incorporated herein by reference.
8

22.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that in 2015

9 and 2016, thousands of copies of Magic Rush were downloaded and that Elex and
10 Moonton received tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions of
11 dollars) in revenue in connection with Magic Rush, including from sales of virtual
12 currency or in-game items.
13

23.

In early 2016, Riot notified Apple and Google that Magic Rush

14 infringed its copyright in LoL, and demanded that Apple and Google remove the
15 game from the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play Store. In response to Riot’s
16 infringement notice, Elex contacted Riot, and throughout 2016 Riot worked with
17 Elex in an effort to resolve Riot’s claims. Riot is informed and believes, and on
18 that basis alleges, that as a result of that effort, Elex caused Moonton to make
19 certain changes to content contained in Magic Rush, including changes to the
20 appearances and attributes of Magic Rush’s heroes. Riot did not agree to release
21 any of its claims against Elex or Moonton.
The Mobile Legends Games

22
23

24.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that in 2016,

24 at the same time Riot was working with Elex to resolve its infringement claims
25 concerning Magic Rush, Moonton – with full knowledge of Riot’s rights in LoL
26 and Riot’s pending infringement claims – was developing and preparing to publish
27 a second mobile game also designed to trade off Riot’s intellectual property rights
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
9

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 11 of 44 Page ID #:11

1 in LoL. In mid-2016, Moonton released Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA on the
2 Google Play Store.
3

25.

Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA is a mobile game in which, like LoL,

4 players assume the role of a unique hero and engage with other players on a
5 computer-generated battlefield. As released to the public, Mobile Legends: 5v5
6 MOBA infringed Riot’s copyrights and trademarks in numerous respects, including
7 but not limited to the following:
8

(a)

Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA used a battlefield that is nearly identical

9 to LoL’s Summoner’s Rift. The similarities between the Mobile Legends: 5v5
10 MOBA battlefield and Summoner’s Rift include both the visual and aesthetic
11 appearance of the map and the placement and location of nearly every object and
12 feature on the map. For example, Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA directly and
13 slavishly copied the overall look and feel of Summoner’s Rift, such as its
14 distinctive color combinations, textures, and terrain design (such as location and
15 number of staircase steps, rocks, and bushes), as illustrated below:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
10

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 12 of 44 Page ID #:12

1 Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA also copied all of the key elements and obstacles in
2 Summoner’s Rift (and their precise location), including the “dragon,” “baron,”
3 “blue buff,” and “red buff” camps.
4

(b)

Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA copied the exact appearance of various

5 objects, monsters and non-player characters, such as LoL’s “caster,” “melee,” and
6 “siege” minions; unique in-game monsters such as the Red Brambleback; and the
7 look and feel of the game’s towers and turrets (including the central “Nexus”
8 base).
9

(c)

Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA copied logos and banners from within

10 the game, such as the logo announcing a player “Victory.”
11

(d)

Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA blatantly copied and referenced LoL’s

12 unique and distinctive characters, including its popular LoL character “Garen,” as
13 illustrated below:
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

Image from Mobile
Legends

Garen from LoL

22
23
24

26.

Additionally, Moonton used a logo for Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA

25 that was confusingly similar to Riot’s logo for LoL, including in font, color
26 scheme, and overall style:
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
11

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 13 of 44 Page ID #:13

1
2
3
4
5
6

27.

In August 2016, Riot advised Google that Mobile Legends: 5v5

7 MOBA infringed Riot’s copyright in LoL, and demanded that Google remove
8 Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA from the Google Play Store. In response, Google
9 requested additional specificity as to the nature of the infringement and Riot, in
10 turn, did so. Attached hereto as Exhibit B is a copy of an August 15, 2016, letter
11 sent by Riot to Google, which is incorporated herein by reference.
12

28.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that Google

13 provided Riot’s letter directly to Moonton. In response, Moonton removed Mobile
14 Legends: 5v5 MOBA from the Google Play Store without any explanation. Then,
15 Moonton released a new version of Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA titled Mobile
16 Legends: Bang bang. Mobile Legends: Bang bang was the exact same game as
17 Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA, but with a few minor artwork changes, including
18 revisions to a few of the elements identified by Riot in its August 2016 letter.
19

29.

Notwithstanding Moonton’s minor changes, Mobile Legends: Bang

20 bang infringes Riot’s copyrights and trademarks in a number of respects. By way
21 of example, Mobile Legends: Bang bang takes place on a battlefield that is nearly
22 identical to Riot’s “Summoner’s Rift” and contains the exact same obstacles,
23 objects, monsters, bases, turrets, textures, and overall color palate as “Summoner’s
24 Rift,” as illustrated below.
25
26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
12

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 14 of 44 Page ID #:14

1
2
3
4
5
6

Screenshot from LoL

Screenshot from Mobile
Legends: Bang bang

“Mini-Map” of LoL’s
“Summoner’s Rift”

“Mini-Map” of Mobile
Legends: Bang bang

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

30.

Riot is informed and believes, and on that basis alleges, that

19 Defendants continue to develop Mobile Legends: Bang bang, including by adding
20 new servers and making updates to Mobile Legends: Bang bang, despite notice of
21 Riot’s claims of copyright infringement.
22
23

COUNT I

24

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

25

(Magic Rush: Heroes)

26

31.

Riot realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations in

27 paragraphs 1 through 30, as if set forth fully herein.
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
13

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 15 of 44 Page ID #:15

1

32.

Riot is the owner of valid and enforceable copyrights in LoL. Riot

2 has registered or applied for registration for copyrights in LoL, including PA 13 906-694, PA 1-397-659 and PA 1-971-560.
4

33.

Defendants have deliberately and intentionally copied protectable

5 expression from LoL in Magic Rush. Riot has never authorized or given consent to
6 Defendants to use their copyrighted works in the manner complained of herein.
7

34.

Thus, Defendants have infringed Riot’s copyrights by reproducing,

8 adapting, distributing, publicly performing, and publicly displaying, and
9 authorizing others to reproduce, adapt, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly
10 display copyrighted elements of LoL without authorization, in violation of the
11 Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 501 et seq.
12

35.

Defendants’ acts of infringement are willful, in disregard of, and with

13 indifference to, the rights of Riot.
14

36.

As a direct and proximate result of the infringements alleged herein,

15 Riot is entitled to damages and to Defendants’ profits in amounts to be proven at
16 trial, which are not currently ascertainable. Alternatively, Riot is entitled to
17 maximum statutory damages of $150,000 for each copyright infringed, or in such
18 other amount as may be proper under 17 U.S.C. § 504(c).
19

37.

Riot further is entitled to its attorneys’ fees and full costs pursuant to

20 17 U.S.C. § 505.
21
22

COUNT II

23

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

24

(The Mobile Legends Games)

25

38.

Riot realleges and incorporates by reference the allegations in

26 paragraphs 1 through 30, as if set forth fully herein.
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
14

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 16 of 44 Page ID #:16

1

39.

Riot is the owner of valid and enforceable copyrights in LoL. Riot

2 has registered or applied for registration for copyrights in LoL, including PA 13 906-694, PA 1-397-659 and PA 1-971-560.
4

40.

Defendants have deliberately and intentionally copied protectable

5 expression from LoL in Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA and in Mobile Legends: Bang
6 bang. Riot has never authorized or given consent to Defendants to use their
7 copyrighted works in the manner complained of herein.
8

41.

Thus, Defendants have infringed, and are continuing to infringe,

9 Riot’s copyrights by reproducing, adapting, distributing, publicly performing, and
10 publicly displaying, and authorizing others to reproduce, adapt, distribute, publicly
11 perform, and publicly display copyrighted elements of LoL without authorization,
12 in violation of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 501 et seq.
13

42.

Defendants’ acts of infringement are willful, in disregard of, and with

14 indifference to, the rights of Riot.
15

43.

As a direct and proximate result of the infringements alleged herein,

16 Riot is entitled to damages and to Defendants’ profits in amounts to be proven at
17 trial, which are not currently ascertainable. Alternatively, Riot is entitled to
18 maximum statutory damages of $150,000 for each copyright infringed, or in such
19 other amount as may be proper under 17 U.S.C. § 504(c).
20

44.

Riot further is entitled to its attorneys’ fees and full costs pursuant to

21 17 U.S.C. § 505.
22

45.

As a result of Defendants’ acts and conduct, Riot has sustained and

23 will continue to sustain substantial, immediate, and irreparable injury for which
24 there is no adequate remedy at law. Riot is informed and believes, and on that
25 basis alleges, that unless enjoined and restrained by this Court, Defendants will
26 continue to infringe Riot’s rights in LoL. Riot is entitled to temporary,
27 preliminary, and permanent injunctive relief to restrain and enjoin Defendants’
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 continuing infringing conduct.
15

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 17 of 44 Page ID #:17

1

COUNT III

2

FEDERAL TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT

3

(15 U.S.C. § 1114)

4

46.

Riot incorporates herein by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1

5 through 30 as though fully set forth herein.
6

47.

Riot is the owner of all right, title, and interest in the LoL Marks and

7 has standing to maintain an action for trademark infringement under 15 U.S.C.
8 § 1114. With actual and constructive notice of Riot’s federal trademark
9 registrations and of Riot’s extensive and continuous use of the LoL Marks,
10 Defendants have used, and are continuing to use, its confusingly similar marks and
11 name (the “Infringing Marks”) in the United States upon goods and services
12 closely related to the goods and services in connection with which Riot uses the
13 LoL Marks.
14

48.

Defendants’ use of the Infringing Marks, including in connection with

15 its mobile games, is likely to cause confusion, deception, and mistake among
16 consumers. Buyers and persons who encounter the Infringing Games will think
17 that they are licensed or approved by Riot. This includes initial interest confusion,
18 confusion at the time of sale, and post-sale confusion. In actual fact, Riot does not
19 authorize Defendants’ use of the Infringing Marks on any of its goods or services,
20 and strongly objects thereto.
21

49.

Defendants know that their use of the Infringing Marks is infringing,

22 have reason to know that it is infringing, and/or have been recklessly indifferent to
23 the fact that such use was and is infringing.
24

50.

Defendants’ acts have caused or are likely to cause, unless restrained

25 by this Court, Riot and the public to suffer great and irreparable damage and injury
26 through, inter alia: (a) a likelihood of confusion, mistake, and deception among the
27 relevant purchasing public and trade as to the source of the infringing products and
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
16

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 18 of 44 Page ID #:18

1 services; and (b) the loss of Riot’s valuable goodwill and business reputation
2 symbolized by the LoL Marks. Riot has no adequate remedy at law.
3

51.

Defendants’ continued and knowing use of the LoL Marks without

4 Riot’s consent or authorization constitutes intentional infringement of Riot’s
5 federally registered LoL Marks in violation of Section 32 of the Lanham Act, 15
6 U.S.C. § 1114, and renders this an “exceptional case” under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a).
7 Based on such conduct, Riot is entitled to injunctive relief as well as monetary
8 damages, and other remedies provided by Sections 1116, 1117, and 1118,
9 including Defendants’ profits, treble damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and
10 prejudgment interest.
11
12

COUNT IV

13

FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN

14

(15 U.S.C. § 1125(A))

15

52.

Riot incorporates herein by reference the allegations of paragraphs 1

16 through 30 as though fully set forth herein.
17

53.

Riot, as the owner of all common law right, title, and interest in and to

18 the LoL Marks, has standing to maintain an action for false designation of origin
19 and unfair competition under the Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C.
20 § 1125.
21

54.

Defendants have, without authorization, on or in connection with their

22 services, used in commerce marks that are confusingly similar to the LoL Marks,
23 and/or has made false designations of origin which are likely to cause confusion or
24 cause mistake or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection or association of
25 Defendants with Riot, and/or as to the origin, sponsorship or approval of
26 Defendants’ services and commercial activities.
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

55.

Defendants knew or by the exercise of reasonable care should have

28 known that the adoption and commencement of use in commerce and continuing
17

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 19 of 44 Page ID #:19

1 use of marks that are confusingly similar to the LoL Marks would cause confusion,
2 mistake, or deception among purchasers, users and the public.
3

56.

Defendants’ wrongful conduct has permitted or will permit it to make

4 substantial sales and profits on the strength of Riot’s marketing, advertising, sales
5 and consumer recognition. As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’
6 wrongful conduct, as alleged herein, Riot has been deprived and will be deprived
7 of the value of its LoL Marks in an amount as yet unknown but to be determined at
8 trial. Riot seeks an accounting of Defendants’ profits, and requests that the Court
9 grant Riot three times that amount.
10

57.

Defendants’ acts and omissions have caused and, unless restrained by

11 this Court, will continue to cause Riot and the public to suffer great and irreparable
12 damage and injury through, inter alia, (a) a likelihood of confusion, mistake and
13 deception among the relevant purchasing public and trade as to the source of
14 Defendants’ infringing services; and (b) the loss of Riot’s valuable goodwill and
15 business reputation symbolized by its LoL Marks. Riot has no adequate remedy at
16 law.
17

58.

Based on Defendants’ wrongful conduct, Riot is entitled to injunctive

18 relief as well as monetary damages and other remedies as provided by the Lanham
19 Act, including Defendants’ profits, treble damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees,
20 costs and prejudgment interest.
21

59.

Upon information and belief, the intentional nature of the

22 aforementioned acts renders this an exceptional case under 15 U.S.C. § 1117(a),
23 and Riot is further entitled to its attorneys’ fees and costs of suit herein pursuant to
24 15 U.S.C. § 1117.
25 //
26 //
27 //
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28 //
18

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 20 of 44 Page ID #:20

1

PRAYER FOR RELIEF

2

WHEREFORE, Riot prays that this Court enter judgment in its favor on

3 each and every claim for relief set forth above and award it relief, including but not
4 limited to an order:
5

1.

Preliminarily and permanently enjoining Defendants, their officers,

6 employees, agents, subsidiaries, representatives, distributors, dealers, members,
7 affiliates, and all persons acting in concert or participation with Defendants from:
(a)

8

manufacturing, producing, distributing, adapting, displaying,

9 advertising, promoting, offering for sale or selling, or performing any materials
10 that are substantially similar to LoL;
(b)

11

using, selling, offering for sale, holding for sale, advertising or

12 promoting any goods or services under or in connection with any trade name,
13 trademark, service mark, or other designation of origin that is comprised in whole
14 or in part of the LoL Marks, or any terms, designs or styles confusingly similar
15 thereto; or
(c)

16

doing any act or thing that is likely to induce the belief that

17 Defendants’ goods or services, or activities are in some way connected with Riot
18 or that is likely to injure or damage Riot or its LoL Marks.
19

2.

Requiring Defendants to deliver to Riot all copies of materials that

20 infringe or violate any of Riot’s rights described herein, including without
21 limitation all copies of the Infringing Games and all signage, brochures, labels,
22 stickers, displays, written materials and other promotional material bearing any
23 mark or logo confusingly similar to the LoL Marks.
24

3.

Requiring Defendants to provide Riot with an accounting of any and

25 all sales of products or services that infringe or violate any of Riot’s rights, as
26 described herein.
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

4.

Awarding Riot actual or statutory damages for copyright infringement

28 and under 17 U.S.C. § 504, as appropriate.
19

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 21 of 44 Page ID #:21

1

5.

Awarding Riot the compensatory damages sustained by Riot as a

2 result of the unlawful acts of trademark infringement alleged herein and that such
3 damages be trebled pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1117 because of the willful and
4 unlawful acts alleged herein.
5

6.

Awarding Riot its full costs and attorneys’ fees in this action.

6

7.

Imposing a constructive trust over the proceeds unjustly obtained by

7 Defendants through the sale of the Infringing Games in the United States, and/or
8 any other products or services that violate any of Riot’s rights described herein.
9

8.

Awarding such other and further relief as this Court may deem just

10 and appropriate.
11
12 Dated: July 6, 2017
13
14
15
16

MARC E. MAYER
MATTHEW S. BEASLEY
MITCHELL SILBERBERG & KNUPP LLP
By: /s/Marc E. Mayer
Marc E. Mayer
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Riot Games, Inc.

17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
20

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 22 of 44 Page ID #:22

JURY DEMAND

1
2

Plaintiff Riot Games, Inc. hereby demands a trial by jury on all matters and

3 issues so triable.
4
5 Dated: July 6, 2017
6
7
8
9

MARC E. MAYER
MATTHEW S. BEASLEY
MITCHELL SILBERBERG & KNUPP LLP
By: /s/Marc E. Mayer
Marc E. Mayer
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Riot Games, Inc.

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Mitchell
Silberberg &
Knupp LLP

28
21

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 23 of 44 Page ID #223

EHHEA

EX A PG 22

Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 24 of 44 Page ID #:24

Dan Nabel, Esq.
Riot Games, Inc.
12333 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
dnabel@riotgames.com
March 31, 2016
VIA EMAIL
David Lesht
Eugene M. Cummings, P.C.
55 West Monroe Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, Illinois 60603
dlesht@emcpc.com
Re:

Magic Rush: Heroes – Copyright Infringement;
Apple Ref No. APP57985

Dear Mr. Lesht:
Our company has complained to both Apple and Google about your client’s video game,
Magic Rush: Heroes, which infringes the copyright in our game, League of Legends® (U.S.
Copyright Registration No. PA 1-906-694). As we previously explained, your client blatantly
misappropriated our original, copyrighted content, including our well-known game characters
and icons. In your response letter dated March 24, 2016, you told us that, after investigating,
you both failed to see any infringement and that copyright law does not protect stock characters
or “scenes a faire” characters.
Although copyright law does not protect “stock” characters, it does protect the unique
traits and abilities of expressive, distinctly marked video game characters just as it does with a
literary or film character. Atari, Inc. v. N. Am. Philips Consumer Elecs. Corp., 672 F.2d 607,
617 (7th Cir. 1982) (copyright infringement found based on substantial appropriation of PACMAN characters). In determining whether a character in a second work infringes a character in
a prior work, “courts have generally considered not only the visual resemblance but also the
totality of the characters’ attributes and traits.” Warner Bros. Inc. v. Am. Broad. Companies,
Inc., 720 F.2d 231, 241 (2d Cir. 1983). In other words, misappropriating a game’s distinctive
characters infringes the copyright in the game, even if the visual appearances differ. E.g.
DaVinci Editrice S.R.L. v. ZiKo Games, LLC, No. CIV.A. H-13-3415, 2014 WL 3900139, at
*11 (S.D. Tex. Aug. 8, 2014) (“characteristics and manner in which the characters interact, not
EX A PG 23

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 25 of 44 Page ID #:25

merely the names and pictures used to depict them, are creative and expressive elements in a
role-playing game and are protectable.”)
Your client did not just copy the idea of our League of Legends® characters (e.g., a
mermaid character or a werewolf character). Instead, your client copied the distinctive suite of
characteristics and abilities that make our characters distinctive (and legally protectable) while
barely bothering to change the art. Please see the enclosed side-by-side comparisons for just a
few of the characters your client copied without our permission, including images of each
character; icons representing their different abilities; and short descriptions of their abilities. We
have not undertaken an exhaustive review and merely offer this comparison as an expedient tool
to aid in your (and Apple’s) review. Needless to say, if we must pursue this action further, we
will conduct an exhaustive, detailed examination; although we hope that will not be necessary.
Please confirm that your client will cease distributing its infringing game immediately.
All rights and remedies are hereby expressly reserved.
Sincerely,

Dan Nabel
Dan D. Nabel
Enclosures

EX A PG 24

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 26 of 44 Page ID #:26

League of Legends®

Annie
1. Summon Tibbers: Summons a toy bear
to stun and damage nearby enemies.
Annie can then control the bear to
attack her enemies.
2. Disintegrate: Attacks a single enemy
with fire, dealing magic damage.
3. Incinerate: Deals magic damage to
enemies in a fan shaped area near in
front of the hero.
4. (passive ability) Pyromania: after
casting 4 spells, the next spell will stun
the target.
5. Molten Shield: increases Annie’s armor
and magic resistance and causes
damage to enemies who hit Annie
while Molten Shield is active

Magic Rush: Heroes

Emily
1. Summon: Bonas: Summons a toy bear
to stun and damage nearby enemies.
The bear will then attack nearby
enemies.
2. Flame Jet: Attacks a single enemy with
fire, dealing magic damage.
3. Burning: Deals magic damage to
enemies in a fan shaped area near in
front of the hero.
4. Flame Strike: After every 4 attacks
cast, the next attack will stun the target.

EX A PG 25

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 27 of 44 Page ID #:27

Lulu
1. (passive ability) Pix, Faerie
Companion: wild faerie accompanies
Lulu attacking the same targets as Lulu
and increasing damage
2. Glitterlance: fires bolts of magical
energy that damage and slow enemies
while penetrating through them.
3. Whimsy: grants movement speed to an
ally, or if cast on an enemy, turns them
into a small animal.
4. Help, Pix!: if cast on an ally, shields the
ally and increases the ally’s attacks, or
causes damage if cast on an enemy
5. Wild Growth: enlarges an ally,
knocking nearby enemies into the air,
slowing nearby enemies and granting
the ally bonus health

Merlynn
1. Elven Shield: Boosted by elf magic, her
ability power and magic lifesteal
increase
2. Elven Magic: fires bolts of magical
energy that damage and slow enemies
while penetrating through them.
3. Magic Morph: Turns enemy into a
small animal.
4. Forest Blessing: The power of the
forest increases the ability power of the
whole team.

EX A PG 26

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 28 of 44 Page ID #:28

Sona
1. Hymn of Valor: sends out bolts of
sound, dealing magic damage to nearby
enemies
2. Crescendo: Deals magic damage and
stuns enemies in front of her.
3. Aria of Perseverance: plays a protective
melody that heals herself and a nearby
wounded ally, shields nearby allies
4. (passive ability) Power Chord: after
casting 3 spells, Sona’s next attack
deals bonus magic damage
5. Song of Celerity: grants herself and
nearby allies increased movement
speed

Muse
1. Mad Symphony: sends out bolts of
sound, dealing magic damage to nearby
enemies
2. Endless Waltz: Deals magic damage
and stuns enemies in front of her and
heals allies.
3. Healing Chord: Plays a whirling
melody that heals herself and the most
severly-damaged ally
4. Sound of Music: a soothing melody
increases the ability power of herself
and her allies

EX A PG 27

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 29 of 44 Page ID #:29

Garen
1. Demacian Justice: deals damage to a
single enemy based on how much of
the enemy’s health is missing.
2. Judgement: deals physical damage to
enemies in a circular area.
3. Courage: Garen gradually increases
armor over time and can activate the
ability for a short term significant
shield decreasing damage received.
4. Decisive Strike: breaks free of all slows
and deals bonus damage to an enemy
and silences them

Bedivere
1. Eliminate: deals damage to a single
enemy based on how much of the
enemy’s health is missing.
2. Cleaver: deals physical damage to
enemies in a rectangular area.
3. Heavy Armor: increases Bedivere’s
armor.
4. King’s Guard: increases armor, attack
damage and ability power for self and
surrounding allies.

EX A PG 28

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 30 of 44 Page ID #:30

Warwick
1. Infinite Duress: lunges at an enemy,
stuns him and starts hitting him wildly,
causing magic damage and absorbing
some health.
2. Hungering Strike: damages an enemy
with magic and absorbs some health.
3. Hunter’s Call: increases attack speed
for nearby champions.
4. Blood Scent: senses champions with
low health, increasing movement
speed.

Jacob
1. Bloody Raid: lunges at an enemy, stuns
him and starts hitting him wildly,
causing magic damage and absorbing
some health.
2. Fierce Blow: damages an enemy with
magic and absorbs some health.
3. Wild Roar: increases attack speed, if an
enemy hero has health under 50%,
attack speed increases more.
4. Werewolf Blood: resist magic and
raises his magic resist attribute.

EX A PG 29

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 31 of 44 Page ID #:31

Miss Fortune
1. Bullet Time: fires a series of bullets in
a conic area in front of her, dealing
physical damage
2. Make It Rain: bullets rain down from
the sky in an area, dealing damage and
slowing enemies
3. Double Up: deals physical damage to 2
enemies standing in a line
4. (passive ability) Love Tap: deals bonus
physical damage when attacking a new
target
5. Strut: increases movement speed and
attack speed

Jolie
1. Shooting Frenzy: causes physical
damage and lowers armor to enemies
within a conic area in front of her.
2. Barrage Fire: causes continuous magic
damage for 5 seconds to enemies in the
area and slows them down
3. Killshot: deals physical damage to 2
enemies standing in a line
4. Killer Instinct: increases Jolie’s attack
damage

EX A PG 30

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 32 of 44 Page ID #:32

Lux
1. Final Spark: fires a beam of light that
deal damage to all enemies in a straight
line
2. Light Binding: binds and deals damage
to up to 2 enemies
3. Lucent Singularity: creates a magic
snare on the ground which after
exploding causes magic damage to
enemies and slows them down
4. Prismatic Barrier: protects herself and
an ally from damage

Karna
1. Magic Flash: causes great magic
damage to enemies standing in a
straight line
2. Magic Imprison: imprisons enemies
and causes magic damage
3. Magic Halo: creates a magic snare on
the ground which after exploding
causes magic damage to enemies and
slows them down
4. Magic Life: Karna strengthens the body
of an ally, raising her and her ally’s
max health limit

EX A PG 31

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 33 of 44 Page ID #:33

Ashe
1. Enchanted Crystal Arrow: fires an ice
arrow in a straight line, stunning the
first enemy it hits and causing damage
and slowing targets within an area.
2. Volley: fires a series of arrows in a
cone in front of Ashe, dealing physical
damage
3. (passive ability) Frost Shot: physical
attacks slow the target
4. Ranger’s Focus: increases Ashe’s
attack speed and damage
5. Hawkshot: reveals an area of the map
for a short period

Lufia
1. Divine Arrow: fires an arrow which
deals physical damage to an area and
stuns the first enemy it hits
2. Rain of Arrows: shoots a volley of
arrows dealing physical damage in a
cone shape in front of her
3. Poison Shot: fires a poison arrow,
dealing physical damage and slowing
the enemy down
4. Lethal Shots: increases the whole
team’s physical attack power

EX A PG 32

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 34 of 44 Page ID #:34

Nami
1. Tidal Wave: summons a massive tidal
wave that knocks enemies into the air
and damages them
2. Tidecaller’s Blessing: blesses an ally,
increasing their damage
3. Ebb and Flow: unleashes a stream of
water that bounces back and forth
between allies and enemies, healing
allies and damaging enemies
4. Aqua Prison: sends a bubble towards a
targeted area, dealing damage and
stunning all enemies on impact

Murphy
1. Raging Sea: Summons a giant wave to
knock enemies up into the air and
causing magic damage
2. Ocean Blessing: sends blessings to
allies, increasing their attack damage
3. Sea Guardian: Summons a bouncing
orb which regens allies’ health and
deals magic damage to enemies
4. Ocean’s Power: increases allies’ attack
damage and ability power

EX A PG 33

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 35 of 44 Page ID #:35

Wukong
1. Cyclone: spins around dealing damage
and knocking enemies into the air.
2. Crushing Blow: attack deals physical
damage and reduces enemy’s armor.
3. Decoy: releases a phantom hat will deal
damage to nearby enemies
4. (passive ability) Stone Skin: increases
Wukong’s armor and magic resistance
5. Nimbus Strike: dashes towards an
enemy and sends out images to attack
up to 2 additional enemies

Monk Sun
1. Whirlwind Assault: spins around
dealing damage and knocking enemies
into the air.
2. Nightmare Attack: hits front row
enemies with a stick, dealing physical
damage and lowering their armor.
3. Phantom Strike: realeases a phantom to
attack the enemy dealing physical
damage.
4. King Kong Defense: increases armor
and magic resist.

EX A PG 34

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 36 of 44 Page ID #:36

Ryze
1. Spell Flux: releases an orb of magical
power that bounces between enemies,
causing magic damage
2. Overload: throws a charge of energy in
a line, dealing damage to the first
enemy struck
3. Rune Prison: traps an enemy in a cage,
preventing them from moving and deals
magic damage
4. (passive ability) Arcane Mastery: all
spells can be cast faster
5. Desperate Power: increases, speed,
damage, and abilities can be cast faster

Salman
1. Spell Storm: unleashes an orb which
absorbs enemies’ health and bounces
around enemies dealing magic damage
2. Lightning Bomb: unleashes a magic
orb, dealing magic damage
3. Magic Prison: imprisons opponents and
causes magic damage
4. Combat Mastery: all skills can be cast
faster

EX A PG 35

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 37 of 44 Page ID #:37

Ziggs
1. Mega Inferno Bomb: hurls a large
bomb which deals magic damage to
enemies within an area
2. Satchel Charge: fires a bomb that
detonates after a period of time, dealing
damage and knocking an enemy away
3. Hexplosive Minefield: scatters
proximity mines that detonate on
contact, dealing magic damage and
slowing enemies
4. (passive ability) Short Fuse: every 12
seconds, Ziggs deals additional magic
damage.
5. Bouncing Bomb: throws a bouncing
bomb that deals magic damage

Watson
1. Bombardment: hurls a large bomb at
enemies within an area, dealing
massive magic damage
2. Time Bomb: sets a time bomb which
explodes after a period of time, dealing
magic damage and knocking an enemy
into the air
3. Minefield: covers the ground with
bombs, dealing damage to and slowing
enemies that walk through
4. Explosives Expert: increases his own
ability power

EX A PG 36

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 38 of 44 Page ID #:38

Leona
1. Solar Flare: Leona calls down a beam
of solar energy, dealing damage to
enemies in an area. Enemies in the
center of the area are stunned, while
enemies on the outside are slowed.
2. Shield of Daybreak: Leona uses her
shield to perform her next basic attack,
dealing bonus magic damage and
stunning the target
3. Zenith Blade: projects a solar image of
her sword, dealing magic damage to all
enemies in a line. The last enemy
struck will be immobilized and Leona
will dash to them.
4. Eclipse: raises Leona’s armor and
magic resistance

Seeley
1. Solar Punishment: calls down a beam
of solar energy, dealing magic damage
to enemies within a range and stunning
them
2. Shield Bash: a shield slam, dealing
magic damage and stunning the target
3. Imprisonment: casts a strong light,
dealing magic damage. Temporarily
imprisons the enemy and rushes you
towards them
4. Blazing Light: projects a solar image of
the shield, blinding the enemy and
reduing the enemy’s hit rate

EX A PG 37

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 39 of 44 Page ID #:39

Pantheon
1. Grand Skyfall: leaps into the air and
lands on a target, dealing damage to all
enemy units in an area
2. Spear Shot: hurls a spear at an
opponent, dealing damage
3. Heartseeker Strike: unleashes 3 swift
strikes to the area in front of him. Does
critical damage to enemies below 15%
health.
4. (passive ability) Aegis Protection: after
attacking or casting spells 4 times,
Pantheon will block the next incoming
basic attack or turret attack
5. Aegis of Zeonia: leaps at an enemy and
bashes them with his shield, stunning
them. Blocks the next incoming attack

Spartacus
1. Mountain Crush: rises towards the sky
and lands in front of a target, dealing
physical damage to enemies in the area
and knocking them back
2. Flaming Spear: hurls a flaming spear,
dealing physical damage to an enemy.
If the target’s health is lower than 30%,
his critical strike chance increases by
30%
3. Spear Puncture: deals physical damage
to enemies in a conical area in front of
him
4. Bright Shield: every 4th attack,
Spartacus’s armor increases for a
period of time

EX A PG 38

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 40 of 44 Page ID #240

EHHIB

EX PG 39

Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 41 of 44 Page ID #:41

Dan D. Nabel, Esq.
Riot Games, Inc.
12333 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
dnabel@riotgames.com
August 15, 2016
VIA EMAIL
Google Removals Team
removals@google.com
Re: Mobile Legends: 5v5 MOBA
Dear Google Removals Team:
Last week, you requested more information about our claim that Moonton’s “Mobile
Legends” game, currently available for download on your GooglePlay store, infringes our
intellectual property rights in our game, League of Legends. Please refer to the table below,
with side-by-side screenshots, demonstrating Moonton’s egregious, bad faith copying:
Original League of Legends content

Infringing Mobile Legends content

EX B PG 40

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 42 of 44 Page ID #:42

Moonton copied almost every detail of our “Summoner’s Rift” map, including the distinctive
areas featuring our “dragon,” “baron,” “blue buff” and “red buff” monsters, the river, brush,
etc., start positions and rock/brush features with very few changes.

Moonton copied the exact appearance of our melee and caster “minions” (as well as the larger
siege minions not shown here).

Moonton copied every feature from Summoner’s rift, including the blue and red Nexus main
objectives in each base, with nearly identical texturing around each structure.

EX B PG 41

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 43 of 44 Page ID #:43

Moonton copied our unique monsters, including this “Red Buff” monster, down to the last
detail. Even the rocks and brush in the bottom right cordner of the images are identical.

Our respective logos are each comprised of stacked words against a shield background, with the
same final word LEGENDS. In both logos, the capital “L” and capital “S” in the word
LEGENDS feature more prominently than the other letters, all of which are capitalized and in
extremely similar font.

Moonton copied almost every logo and font, including our “Victory” screen font.

Moonton copied substantial portions from our unique characters including “Garen” (left).
EX B PG 42

 Case 2:17-cv-04986 Document 1 Filed 07/06/17 Page 44 of 44 Page ID #:44

As of August 12, 2016, the very first page of user reviews at the game’s home address
(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobile.legends) on the Google Play store,
all point to the infringing nature of this game (highlights added):

One does not even need to use your terrific Google Translate service to know that these
users are complaining that Moonton’s game is a cheap knock-off of League of Legends. We
hope you will agree and remove it immediately.
We expressly reserve all rights and remedies.
Sincerely,

Dan Nabel
Dan D. Nabel

EX B PG 43