I-Magic's iF-22 Raptor Under Fire

Should certain game companies have an exclusive license to use the name and likeness of a military vehicle so others can't create games based on that vehicle? This is the question being considered by Interactive Magic, whose iF-22 Raptor game is threatened by a possible licensing deal between Lockheed Martin and NovaLogic.

According to I-Magic's Web site, I-Magic received a letter from Lockheed Martin's legal counsel several weeks ago that said Lockheed was in final license agreement discussions with NovaLogic for exclusive use of the F-22 name for interactive simulation games. As a result, I-Magic's upcoming iF-22 Raptor game "directly infringes Lockheed Martin's rights in violation of federal and state statutes and the common law." Lockheed asked I-Magic to adopt a new name for its games and remove all references to Lockheed Martin.

According to a letter by company chairman "Wild Bill" Stealey posted on I-Magic's Web site, the iF-22 Raptor game has been under development for two years, and during that time both Lockheed and the US Air Force have been very forthcoming with information for the game. As a result of NovaLogic's "legal maneuvering," public information about a government project could be restricted, Stealey says. "NovaLogic could altogether deny other game companies the right to make a game based on or including the F-22, or at the very least restrict what public information they can and cannot use in developing their games. We strongly oppose NovaLogic's efforts," said the letter.

NovaLogic also released a statement about the incident that states, "NovaLogic thinks I-Magic's use of the name 'iF-22 Raptor' is likely to confuse the trade and public and has asked I-Magic to rename its product and avoid confusingly similar logos and packaging. NovaLogic believes that I-Magic has no more right to sell a product called 'iF-22 Raptor' than it does to sell 'iCoca Cola.' NovaLogic has not asked I-Magic to delay the release of its product or change it in any way." The statement also said that NovaLogic has a good relationship with Lockheed Martin and plans to work closely with the company to make "flight simulators of unprecedented authenticity and playability."

For more on this breaking story, see the in-depth report from our sister publication, Computer Gaming World (CGW).