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Upcoming Genius Products DVD / Blu Ray Releases
Jockeys
Release Date: 06/30/2009
Sea Beast
Release Date: 06/30/2009
Backwoods (2008)
Director: Marty Weiss
Release Date: 06/23/2009
Operation Valkyrie
Director: Jo Baier
Release Date: 06/16/2009
WWE: Judgement Day 2009
Release Date: 06/16/2009
WWE: Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection (3-Disc)
Release Date: 06/09/2009
Ultimate Ride: Steve Fisher In African Rush, The
Release Date: 06/09/2009
Sesame Street: Elmo And Abby's Birthday Fun!
Release Date: 06/02/2009
Killshot
Director: John Madden
Release Date: 05/26/2009
Legend Of Fong Sai-Yuk, The
Director: Corey Yuen
Release Date: 05/26/2009
WWE: Backlash 2009
Release Date: 05/26/2009
WWE: Wrestlemania XXV (Exclusive)
Release Date: 05/19/2009
WWE: WrestleMania XXV (Blu-ray)
Release Date: 05/19/2009
WWE: WrestleMania XXV (DVD)
Release Date: 05/19/2009
Fanboys
Director: Kyle Newman
Release Date: 05/19/2009
Outlander
Director: Howard McCaine
Release Date: 05/19/2009
Infected
Release Date: 05/19/2009
Kill Buljo
Release Date: 05/12/2009
Sesame Street: Elmo's World - The Best Of Elmo's World, Vol. 2
Release Date: 05/05/2009
Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht, Season 4: The Wedding Vol. 1 (4-Disc)
Release Date: 05/05/2009
WWE: Tagged Classics - No Way 04 / Backlash 04
Release Date: 05/05/2009
WWE: Tagged Classics - Judgment Day 04 / Bad Blood 04
Release Date: 05/05/2009
Last Templar, The
Release Date: 05/05/2009
Reader (Blu-ray), The
Director: Stephen Daldry
Release Date: 04/28/2009
Martyrs
Director: Pascal Laugier
Release Date: 04/28/2009
Source: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=genius+products&search_constraint=4096&tab_value=1155_All&ic=48_0&ref=&search_sort=6&selected_items=+
Genius Products is listed as one of this week's top performers!
This Week's Top Performers
Emulex (ELX | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating)
Citizens Bank (CYZB | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating)
Genius Products (GNPR | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating)
Source: http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/Powerratings.net/Content/weekly_analysis/PowerRatings-Weekly-Outlook-PSSI-ABT-AEP-AMGN-CAG--81017.cfm
I agree, if not much higher. We have very strong holders. GLTY.
$24 = only 4.8 cents pre-split!
$75 = only 15 cents pre-split!
$150 = only 30 cents pre-split!
$300 = only 60 cents pre-split!
Divide everything by 500 to get the pre-split equivalent.
GNPR is way undervalued, IMO.
Scratch The Ultimate DJ and related content such as addons and music packs is indeed the icing on the cake. I am also sure Genius Products has many more video games planned for the future.
The catalyst for future growth of Genus Products (and what sets this company apart from others) is the companies involvement with video games.
Genius Products has established an excellent supplier network for DVD / Blu-Ray / Video Game content (see Ibox) and efficient distribution channels including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, to name a few.
With only 135,218 Outstanding Shares, Genius Products is way undervalued IMO.
It was a genius move for the company to decide to become involved in the video gaming industry. This is what really makes Genius Products stand out from the crowd, IMO.
Thanks! I am really exited about Genius Products! I believe we will see further consolidation between the Video Gaming and DVD / Blu Ray industries. I wonder if Electronic Arts has Genius on it's radar? It will be interesting too see how everything plays out.
Final Speaker Lineup Announced For LA Games Conference, April 28-29, 2009
Digital Media Wire today announced the final speaker lineup for the highly-anticipated LA Games Conference http://www.lagamesconference.com/ to be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, April 28-29, 2009.
Keynote speakers include:
Nolan Bushnell, Founder, Atari and Chuck E. Cheese, CEO, uWink and Chairman, NeoEdge
Known as one of the founding fathers of the video game industry and the man behind Atari, Bushnell will reveal his thoughts about new game consoles like Nintendo Wii and the new landscape of gaming.
"Distribution of Games and Digital Media - A Glimpse of the Future"
Mike Yuen, Senior Director, Games Services, Qualcomm
Yuen will give a glimpse into the future as he discusses the drive to digitally distribute content. Yuen will also discuss Qualcomm's investment in a new wireless 3G game console for developing countries, called Zeebo. The new console targets middle-class gamers in emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, India and China and it only plays downloadable games, whose feature is designed to combat the piracy of disc-based games.
"Casual is the New Black - If You Want to Avoid the Red"
David Roberts, CEO, PopCap Games
Roberts will discuss a future where innovations from casual games will create the environment for tomorrow's hardcore game experiences. Roberts will discuss the PopCap vision of bringing games to the other 80% of the market that even the broadest casual games haven't yet attracted.
"Finding Money in Games"
Mitch Lasky, General Partner, Benchmark Capital
Lasky will outline the latest in investment trends and opportunities in games and digital media. Lasky has spent more than two decades in the mobile gaming, new media and interactive entertainment business. Prior to joining Benchmark Capital, Lasky served as executive vice president of Mobile and Online at Electronic Arts. Previously, he was chairman and chief executive officer of JAMDAT Mobile, Inc, the leading global publisher of wireless entertainment applications, which was acquired by EA in 2005.
These keynoters join a top caliber speaker group, which includes:
PANELISTS & MODERATORS
John Kavanagh, SVP, Interactive / Head of Games, Paramount Pictures
Gareth Davis, Platform Manager, Facebook
Spencer Hunt, VP, Game Production & Digital Development, Sony Pictures TV Int'l
Kuk Yi, Managing Director, Best Buy Capital
Bill Young, Western Region Sales Director, Electronic Arts
Jason Oberfest, SVP of Business Development, MySpace
Robert Norton, Managing Director, North America, King.com
Jana Friedman, SVP of Worldwide Advertising Sales, Double Fusion
David Reitman, VP, Content & Ent. Practice, Switch and Data
Kate Connally, Vice President, AddictingGames/MTV Networks
Bill Kispert, VP, Interactive, NBC Interactive
Jesse Redniss, Vice President, USA Network Digital
Ned Sherman, CEO and Publisher, Digital Media Wire
Eric Goldberg, Managing Director, Crossover Technologies
Nick Williams, Director, Media &, Entertainment Insights, OTX Research
Jay Baage, VP of Content, Digital Media Wire
Anu Shukla, Founder and CEO, Offerpal Media
Scott Scherer, VP of Product Management, Hands-on Mobile
Michael Rubinelli, SVP of Game Development, Genius Products
George Kurtyka, 3P Account Manager, Nokia
Nash Parker, Director, Emerging Technology & Media, Alcatel-Lucent
Braden Moulton, Senior Manager, Partner Development, Massive (Microsoft)
Nichole Goodyear, CEO & Co-Founder, Brickfish
Michael Chang, CEO & Co-Founder, Greystripe
Matt Story, Director, Play, a division of Denuo
Ted Cohen, Managing Partner, TAG Strategic
Kyle Laughlin, Senior Director, Yahoo! Games
Bob Ferrari, VP, Publishing & Bus. Dev., Sanrio Digital
Michael Cai, Vice President, Video Games, Interpret
Kyu Lee, President, Gamevil
Mike Vorhaus, President, Magid Advisors
Dave Long, CEO/Co-Founder, Exponential Entertainment, Inc.
Matt Palmer, EVP & GM, Stardoll Network
Jim Drewry, Executive Director of Marketing, Turbine
Michael Rosenberg, COO, Future Ads (Owner and Operator, Gamevance.com
Teemu Huuhtanen, President, N.A., Sulake Inc. (Habbo)
Matthew Bellows, VP, Consumer Strategy, Vivox
Ryan Barkan, Senior Director, Advertising & Video Games, Primary Wave Music
Mark Friedler, Partner, Worlds and Games LLC
Greg Short, Executive Chairman, EEDAR
Tim Chang, Principal, Norwest Venture Partners
Bjorn Book-Larsson, COO & CTO, K2 Network
John Canning, Sr. Director, Business Development, Mary-Margaret Network
Dennis Fong, CEO & Founder, Raptr
Alex Hackford, Head of A&R, Sony Computer Entertainment America
John Hayase, Exec. Director of Development, Sony Online Entertainment
Steve Hoffman, CEO, RocketOn, Inc.
James Hursthouse, Bus. Development Director, Japan/Korea, BigWorld PTY
Dave Laux, Global Executive, InterActive Media
Nicole Lazzaro, President, XEODesign, Inc.
Calvin Ng, CEO & CSO, iLemon
Ken Rutkowski, President/Host, KenRadio
Tommy Tallarico, President, Tommy Tallarico Studios, Inc.
Dan Yue, Co-Founder & CEO, Playdom
David Zemke, Director of Marketing, Glu Mobile
Ethan Titelman, VP Media & Ent. Group, Penn, Schoen & Berland (PSB)
Jon Snoddy, Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer, Big Stage Entertainment
Ron Williams, CEO, The Zeev Exchange (Zeevex)
Event sponsors and media partners include CEA, OfferPal Media, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Switch and Data, Gamevance, Parks Associates, PopCap Games, OTX, EEDAR, Big Stage, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, INComm, Zeevex, E3 Expo, Variety, Video Business Magazine, Content Agenda, DigitalLA, TAG Strategic, TechZulu, PR Newswire, Mary & Margaret, International Game Developers Association (IGDA), Casual Games Association, Conexion, UCLA Anderson, PGA, ECA, New York - Tokyo, Visual Effects Society, Music4Games, Terpin Communications and SocialRadius.
For complete agenda, registration and event details please visit:
http://lagamesconference.com/
Source: http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2009/04/23/final-speaker-lineup-announced-la-games-conference,-april-28-29,-2009
Michael Rubinelli, Senior VP of Game Development
Genius Products
Michael Rubinelli is the Senior Vice President of Game Development at Genius Products LLC. As the Senior VP, Rubinelli oversees the production of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ and is actively collaborating with top music executives from major and independent record labels to secure the most popular artists for the game. As the first rhythm/music game for fans of hip-hop and R&B, Rubinelli is dedicated to creating an unparalleled urban music experience for gamers.
A 17-year videogame industry veteran, Rubinelli started his career in 1991 with Electronic Arts, as a producer of EA's acclaimed sports franchises. His primary focus was overseeing the production of John Madden Football. In 1994, Rubinelli was honored as "Top Producer of the Year" for his work on John Madden Football, Bill Walsh College Football and MLBPA Baseball.
In 1996, Rubinelli joined Williams Entertainment as their first-ever Vice President of Product Development. While building what later became Midway Home Entertainment, he was responsible for delivering multiple versions of the Mortal Kombat franchise, in addition to Cruisin' USA, NBA Hangtime and NFL Blitz.
Rubinelli was then hired by THQ Incorporated as the Vice President of Product Development, in an effort to raise the company's revenue numbers as well as THQ's profile within the development community. During his tenure, the company enjoyed a 250 percent growth in revenue and a 275 percent growth in net operating income.
April 28 - Day 1
GAME CONVERGENCE TRACK
2:00PM–2:45PM
PANEL 1
Gaming and Music –New Business Opportunities in the Wake of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band Phenomenon
Guitar Hero and Rock Band have gone from being risky gimmicks to huge pop culture phenomena and cash-cows for the companies that own them. The music business has recently wised up to realize the potential of games to give their bottom line a well needed boost. What is next for the collaboration between the gaming and the music industries? What are the opportunities and challenges for making the most out of the creation of this new phenomenon in gaming?
Panelists
Ryan Barkan, Sr. Director, Advertising/Video Games, Primary Wave Music Publishing
Alex Hackford, Head of A&R, Sony Computer Entertainment America
Michael Rubinelli, SVP, Game Development, Genius Products
Scott Scherer, VP, Product Management, Hands-on Mobile
Tommy Tallarico, CEO/Executive Producer/Host, Video Games Live
Moderator: Ted Cohen, Managing Partner, TAG Strategic
Source: http://lagamesconference.com/
$24.00 x 172 = $4,128 @ 11:26:53
Wait until volume starts ramping up, GNPR is set to soar!
Someone on the inside knows something, IMO.
Going lower, IMO.
Jon and Kate Plus Ei8ht: Season 4 - The Wedding, Volume 1
Growing another year older, the adorably chaotic Gosselin clan returns for a monumental year of more fun when "Jon & Kate Plus Ei8ht" Season 4, Volume 1: The Wedding arrives on DVD May 5 from Genius Products and TLC. Quick on their feet, the Gosselins learn as they go and always manage to stay ahead of the eight-year-old twins and four-year-old sextuplets that outnumber them four-to-one. With two sets of energetic multiples, seemingly ordinary events like birthday parties and picking pumpkins all become extraordinary for Jon and Kate as they parent eight children under the age of eight. Follow the Gosselins as they plan for the biggest vacation of their lives and make plans to relocate their entire family to another state, all while continuing to ensure their brood has a happy, normal childhood. Hardly the typical American family, Jon and Kate never cease to amaze and inspire parents everywhere with their child-rearing philosophies and unsurpassed organization. Capturing all the comedy and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, the fourth season of TLC's #1 show arrives on a three-disc set featuring 23 episodes.
"A Baby Story: First Time Parents "
Experience the intimate and emotional journeys of ten couples as they enter into parenthood when "A Baby Story: First Time Parents" debuts on DVD May 5 from Genius Products and TLC. From the final weeks of pregnancy through the first weeks of a new life, TLC's beloved Emmy® Award-winning series "A Baby Story" goes inside the delivery room for a first-hand look at the drama of labor and the joy of the unforgettable birth moment. Chronicling soon-to-be parents from all walks of life, "A Baby Story: First Time Parents" is a colorful collection of heart-warming tales detailing events leading up to and shortly after the arrival of each family's new addition. Featuring ten great new-to-DVD episodes that offer both information and entertainment to first-time parents, "A Baby Story: First Time Parents" will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.95.
Source: http://www.mommymandy.com/2009/04/two-new-titles-for-whole-family-on-dvd.html
6.5 Million is a steal IMHO.
Patience is indeed a virtue.
Welcome to Ihub!
In the long run, you have a great entry point! GLTY
Genius is a rare breed. You think it's sexy now, wait until Scratch The Ultimate DJ starts flying off the store shelves. Genius will rock your world!
$24.00 is just the start of better things to come. GLTY!
Rumor: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ Has A New Developer
According to sources with knowledge of the game's development, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ has a brand new developer, with Bottlerocket Entertainment replacing former developers 7 Studios, who were recently sued by the game's publisher.
With the LA Superior Court ruling this week that all intellectual property and source code be returned immediately to Scratch publisher Genius Products and an injunction against 7 Studios preventing them from discussing game code or trade secrets with Activision or any other third party, it appears that the publisher may be looking for a replacement altogether. Kotaku was told to expect a new release date shortly by a source.
Bottlerocket was most recently pulled off of Namco Bandai's update to Splatterhouse, a project that was allegedly handed to the team responsible for Afro Samurai. That action resulted in alleged layoffs at Bottlerocket, as well as some public back and forth between Namco Bandai executives and the developer.
The ex-Splatterhouse developer was also apparently working on a game based on DC Comics' The Flash with the defunct Brash Entertainment.
Representatives for Genius Products would not confirm the change in developers, only mentioning that we'll hear more about Scratch: The Ultimate DJ in the coming weeks. E-mails and phone calls to Bottlerocket Entertainment went unanswered.
Source: http://kotaku.com/5221537/rumor-scratch-the-ultimate-dj-has-a-new-developer
Bottlerocket Entertainment Homepage: http://www.bottlerocket.com/
Good luck! Notice the Z trade for $24.00 x 150 shares @ 15:52:26?
Next stop $24.00 Allllllllll aboard!!!!!!!!!
"Scratch DJ Game LLC will aggressively pursue its court case against Activision, 7 Studios and Peterson for damages resulting from their actions to delay and take over the Scratch game," Genius said after the ruling.
Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213417
Activision and 7 Studios Lose in Scratch DJ Case
Last week we found out that the guys behind the upcoming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ game were suing Activision and its subsidiary 7 Studios, stating that they had planned to sabotage the development of Scratch in order to prevent it from being legitimate competition to Activision's upcoming DJ Hero game. Allow me to break this fiasco down before I continue, it's a little confusing.
You see, 7 Studios is owned by Activision, now. But not too long ago, they were on their own. When they began developing Scratch for Genius Products (publishers and creators of Scratch), Activision approached them both and offered to buy out the rights to the game, only to be declined. Clearly worried that Scratch DJ may find itself establishing a fanbase before DJ Hero gets a chance, Activision went and bought out the developer 7 Studios, instead.
This takeover essentially allowed Activision to delay Scratch, but preventing its now-employees from working on the game, like they were originally contracted to do so by Genius. And so Genius Products sued both 7 Studios and Activision on the grounds that the companies conspired against Genius Products in order to prevent the release of Scratch, and protect the future of Activision's upcoming DJ Hero game. Genius also sued to be given the code that 7 Studios worked on and did not finish, as well.
Well, the case ruling occured and the plaintiff wins this case, and 7 Studios was forced to hand over all intellectual proerty and assets related to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ over to Genius Products, which includes every bit of development code and resources 7 Studios has put together. Additionally, a temporary restraining order was placed against 7 Studios and Activision Publishing. Furthermore, an injuction ordered against 7 Studios seals their mouth and prevents them from communicating to Activision or any other third party, regarding the development, secrets, and information related to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.
Definitely a victory for the good guys. We have to say that we are very disappointed in the corporate practices of Activision. Competition is healthy, stop being such babies.
Source: http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/4988.html
Thanks! ;oD
This should be a fun ride!
Glad to have you on board the Genius Expre$$
You better believe it! We are in at the ground floor indeed! To the moon!!!! :oD
Scratch Lawsuit: $6 Million Dev Costs, Legal Battle Over Source Code Revealed
Analyzing court transcripts from the Scratch trial, Gamasutra has uncovered a $6 million development cost to date for the game, plus intriguing discussions on legal definitions of tools vs. source code.
From more than 30 pages of court reporter-transcribed details today, the Los Angeles Superior Court ended up ruling that 7 Studios needed to return DJ game Scratch's source code to original publisher Genius Products.
Genius and Numark are embroiled in a complex legal battle over Activision and its newly acquired 7 Studios subsidiary. 7 Studios has been developing Scratch for Genius, but allegedly ran out of money and was acquired by Activision, which is planning rival game DJ Hero.
In this early legal stages, the judge, Hon James. C Chalfant, was ruling on whether 7 Studios was required to return the full source code of Scratch to Genius, so that the publisher could (presumably) finish it using another game developer, in time to compete with -- or debut ahead of -- Activision's DJ Hero.
Chalfant explained up front: "I don't think it matters who's at fault: if the contract has been terminated and there's a duty to return [the source code], then there's a duty to return. The damage for breach is up to the underlying lawsuit."
He added: "So it seems to be that then we're talking about a mandatory injunction to return things that are not particularly well defined."
Activision's lawyer then weighed in on comments made by Genius' Michael Rubinelli in a recent filing, where he apparently commented: "If we do not get the game assets requested today, our intended ship date in September will be virtually impossible to achieve."
Early on in the day's proceedings, Activision agreed to a 'wall-off' -- preventing 7 Studios from disclosing or discussing the game code or Scratch trade secrets with Activision or any other third party, commenting: "I don't mind a wall-off because the truth is - and we will get declarations - there has not been any information divulged."
As the judge pointed out, this actually would be a good idea for Activision too, since DJ Hero is in development - he noted: "If you [Activision] get tainted, then your game gets tainted, and then they [Genius] wind up owning both games."
From there, it was into a complex discussion of what needed to be returned and the circumstances under which the 'return' clause was invoked.
Interestingly, it seems that Genius first asked for their code back under the following clause: "Recent events have confirmed that [7 Studios] is insolvent and is unable to deliver the gold masters."
However, they withdrew this after Activision bought 7 Studios, and have simply terminated the agreement under another more straightforward clause, simply invoking their option (albeit disputed by Activision) to stop the game's development.
As Judge Chalfant explained: "It is actually very straightforward. They hired you; they have terminated the deal; their agreement requires return of materials."
In the course of this, Genius' lawyer revealed that the company has paid $6 million for 7 Studios to work on the game for 18 months, the first time that a development budget (to date) was revealed. The budget would have been extended past that through completion.
Also tantalizingly mentioned in the filing was a possible indication that Activision and Harmonix have settled their lawsuits quietly over Rock Band and Guitar Hero. But the reference that Activision and Harmonix patents might have been pooled was oblique -- and the previous filing only mentioned Konami's patents. Notably at this point, Judge Chalfant interjected: "I didn't know video games could be patented" -- but they certainly can be.
From there, with the judge having decided that the 'source code' did indeed need to be given back to Genius and Numark, a key issue was discussed - what constitutes source code? Does 7 Studios have to give out developer's tools as well?
According to one of the lawyers, the engine used for the project is: '7 Core - including pre-existing and future iterations in a multi-platform 3D Game engine.' It includes the potential use of third-party tools such as Havok Physics, FMod, Lua, and ShaderFX. Likely even more vital to complete the game are a number of proprietary tools used the generate or convert the game's assets.
The judge concluded on this: "If your source code includes your pre-existing tools and technology, then you have to give it to them. If the source code does not include that, then you don't have to give it to them in the next five days..."
Further argument about whether developer tools need to be included continued, given an obvious grey area. Judge Chalfant re-iterated: "If the source code incorporates something from the pre-existing tools and technology, you have to turn it over."
He continued: "That doesn't mean that you don't still own your pre-existing tools... but if they are incorporated in the source code, it belongs to the plaintiff."
Of course, the confusing question here -- and one that will presumably come up again -- is one that the judge asked to the lawyers present: "It is mandatory that they license their pre-existing technology to you when they give you the final product?" Both lawyers agreed they couldn't answer that question.
Activision's lawyer then concluded by pleading: "It's unclear whether we're being asked to turn it over in a sort of escrow sense, or are they allowed to now use it for any purpose?"
Judge Chalfant's firm answer, when making a final ruling that 7 Studios must give the 'source code' back to Genius and Numark: "The answer is they can use it for any purpose. It is theirs. It belongs to them. They paid six million dollars for it. I'm done."
Source: http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23290
Easily, Genius is about to skyrocket, hang on! ;oD
"What this does is show that if any of that information, such as ideas and visuals or code is ever seen even a hint of in DJ Hero, it's another lawsuit for (Genius against) Activision. What this does is really screw them over because even if they had similar elements before, now it's going to look like theft and be treated as such in court."
Source: http://kotaku.com/5220389/la-court-finds-in-favor-of-scratch-dj
Judge Rules in Favor of Scratch DJ Game LLC; Orders Immediate Return of All Scratch Game Intellectual Property Held by Activision Subsidiary California 7 Studios
Judge Grants Scratch Joint Venture Temporary Restraining Order Against Activision’s New Subsidiary; Ruling Enables Scratch to Retrieve and Complete Its Game and Prepare for Launch
Imposes “No Talk” Order on Activision’s New Subsidiary
SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Scratch DJ Game LLC, a joint venture between Genius Products, LLC (“Genius”) and Numark Industries LLC (“Numark”), announced today that the Los Angeles County Superior Court (“the Court”) has granted it a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) in its lawsuit against Activision Publishing, Inc., a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) (“Activision”), and California 7 Studios (“7 Studios”) and its Chief Executive Officer, Lewis Peterson. The TRO must be complied with by close of business today.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2009, as requested by Scratch DJ Game LLC, the Court ordered 7 Studios, which was recently acquired by Activision, to turn over to Scratch DJ Game LLC within five days all source code related to Scratch – The Ultimate DJ game, including 7 Studio’s pre-existing developer software tools and technology that went into developing the game. Despite arguments from Activision’s counsel, the Court clearly concluded that the source code was the property of Scratch DJ Game LLC. The Court also granted an injunction preventing 7 Studios from disclosing or discussing the game code or Scratch trade secrets with Activision or any other third party. This decision by the Court is a setback for Activision which only acquired 7 Studios after Genius rejected Activision’s offers to buy the Scratch game. Activision is now “walled off” by the Court’s order from discussing Scratch or its game code or confidential information with its own subsidiary – which had previously worked on Scratch for 18 months as a contract work-for-hire developer.
In addition to winning the requested injunctive relief, Scratch DJ Game LLC will aggressively pursue its court case against Activision, 7 Studios and Peterson for damages resulting from their actions to delay and take over the Scratch game. Scratch DJ Game LLC contends it will prove that, only after venture partner Genius rejected multi-million dollar offers from Activision for Scratch – The Ultimate DJ Game, Activision then used information it obtained under a non-disclosure agreement with Genius to buy financially struggling contract developer 7 Studios in order to delay and control completion and release of Scratch, which is to compete with the DJ Hero game Activision has announced it has under development. Scratch DJ Game LLC believes Activision’s actions with regard to Scratch were clearly an attempt to prevent the game from getting to market ahead of its own prospective game, DJ Hero, or to exact a lower price for the Scratch game after it took control of the contract developer working for its competitor.
About Genius Products
Genius Products, Inc. (GNPR.PK) is the owner of Genius Products, LLC, a leading independent home-entertainment distribution company that produces licenses and distributes a valuable library of motion pictures, television programming, family, lifestyle and trend entertainment on DVD and other emerging platforms through its expansive network of retailers throughout the U.S.
About Numark Industries
Numark Industries is the global leader of professional DJ and audio equipment, and is known for providing progressive breakthrough technology. Since 1971, Numark has designed and delivered hundreds of innovative DJ products, resulting in numerous music industry "firsts.” Today, the company is at the forefront of the digital DJ revolution, and is recognized for creating the best hardware controllers for professional and semi-professional DJ software in the industry. The team at Numark, under its Ion Audio division, has also enjoyed success in developing music gaming peripherals, having produced and distributed the award-winning Drum Rocker, the Premium Drum Set Controller for the Rock Band music game franchise. For more information, visit www.numark.com; images are available at http://www.numark.com/media.
Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/google/20090420006537/en
Genius and Numark said they'll still get "Scratch" in stores first.
Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/20/entertainment/e093139D82.DTL
I am sure Genius Products is saying the same thing in terms of damages to be awarded by a jury against big bully Activision.
Publicity is golden, shares are tight, seems we have some strong holders. If you can get in at these levels, I see an easy 15-20x return. GLTY.
Scratch The Ultimate DJ is a really hot product, I knew it from the beginning as well. All of the recent publicity I am sure will help sales. I have a feeling in the end, the underdog (Genius / Scratch The Ultimate DJ) will win the hearts and $ of the consumer.
Dial up, wow you scratch it up old school ;oD The Youtube link was a music video of Eric B & Rakim - Dont Sweat The Technique, a song featured in Scratch The Ultimate DJ.
I agree mike_t. I believe a jury will be very sympathetic towards the oppressive actions from big bully Activision. In the end I am certain Activision will be taught a lesson, and Genius will be awarded mountains of ca$h. Hands down, Scratch is a better game, and Activision knows it. The scratch battle has begun!
Activision's statement did not mention the return of Scratch assets nor any damages, suggesting further legal maneuvering is in store. "Activision wanted to fire back and they did but there are a few things they left out from yesterday's court hearing which Genius will reveal soon," a Genius and Numark rep told GameSpot.
Source: http://game-news.tungtram.com/2009/04/wii-court-rules-for-activision-in.html
I dont know about scam, but I agree with the billions in debt load, chapter 11 is a sure bet. SIX is headed for new lows in short order IMO.
“DJ Hero” in hot water
Back in March, we mentioned how DJ Hero is supposed to be Activision’s response to Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Today, it might be more accurate to say DJ Hero was supposed to be Activision’s response to Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
According to Paid Content, Activision and 7 Studios, the game’s developer, are being sued by gaming companies Genius Products and Numark Industries for “intentional interference with contract, breach of contract, conversion and misappropriation of trade secrets.”
What does this mean? Well, basically Genius and Numark claim that Activision approached Genius about acquiring the rights to a Genius game called Scratch: The Ultimate DJ. With a premise similar to DJ Hero’s, Scratch features tracks by the likes of Kanye West, The Beastie Boys, and Run-DMC and is developed by rap industry vet Quincy Jones II. When Genius declined Activision’s offer, Activision went to the game’s source: They purchased 7 Studios, which was under contract to develop Scratch. Genius and Numark claim 7 Studios violated terms of their contract, including non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, by working with Activision on such a similar game. Activision is accused of withholding code and Scratch’s turntable controller to delay Stratch’s release and, consequently, buy DJ Hero some time.
To put Genius’ claim of “substantial damage” into perspective: According to Rolling Stone’s Rock Daily, Rock Band made over $1 billion dollars last year - with full albums like Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy and a Beatles version coming soon. As music-themed video games get more specialized, the competition is only getting fiercer, and Genius is just trying to get ahead.
Source: http://consequenceofsound.net/2009/04/17/dj-hero-in-hot-water/
Genius seems to have won one early victory: Activision and 7 Studios were told to return some of the assets they allegedly wouldn't hand over, including game code and custom turntables used to control the game. Genius said it was "very pleased" and now "able to complete our game in a timely manner."
Source: http://techofrez.blogspot.com/2009/04/activision-denies-genius-allegations-in.html
I believe the run has already happened and we are witnessing the last gasp of CHTR as we head towards the abyss.
Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning to release a new DVD entitled "Sesame Street: Bedtime with Elmo". This all-new DVD is planned to hit DVD store shelves on July 7, 2009. The original DVD explains why everyone needs sleep, even little monsters.
It's bedtime on Sesame Street and just like all little kids, Elmo and Abby would rather make funny faces and sing silly songs than go to sleep. Luckily, Elmo's dad Louie knows just how to deal with extra glasses of water and little monsters who are afraid of the dark. Parents will enjoy the practical strategies Louie uses to get Elmo and Abby to go to bed, and children will love snuggling under the covers with the songs, stories and soothing fun this DVD has to offer. The 45-minute DVD also includes Andrea Bocelli singing "Time To Say Goodnight" to Elmo.
Source: http://www.muppetnewsflash.com/2009/04/elmo-gets-ready-for-bed-with-new-dvd.html
“Scratch: The Ultimate DJ” Starts a Legal Beef With “DJ Hero”
The producers of the forthcoming music video game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ have filed a lawsuit against Activision — the company behind Guitar Hero and Scratch’s competitor game DJ Hero — claiming that Activision conspired against their game by purchasing Scratch’s developer. According to a lawsuit filed in California, Scratch’s Genius Products and Numark Industries accuse Activision of “intentional interference with contract, breach of contract, conversion and misappropriation of trade secrets,” Paid Content reports.
What may seem to be a small squabble could be a huge deal. The music video game industry is a billion-dollar business, and competition is fierce. As Rock Daily reported last month, Rock Band made $1 billion in North American retail sales alone after just 15 months. The battle for sales has led Guitar Hero to make deals for stand-alone titles with Metallica and Aerosmith, while Rock Band has focused on putting out full albums — Guns n’ Roses Chinese Democracy is next up — and developing a special Beatles version of the game.
Activision initially attempted to purchase the rights to Scratch, but their offer was rejected by Genius. Instead, Activision began production of their own game, DJ Hero, purchasing developer 7 Studios, who were already under contract to develop Scratch at the time. “Frustrated that it was unable to purchase the Game itself, Activision then embarked on a sinister strategy of intentional interference and unfair competition,” the lawsuit reads. “Rather than acquire the Game at the fair-market price-levels being negotiated with Genius, Activision decided to purchase financially-troubled 7 Studios in order to delay and prevent the completion of the Game — in effect, holding its competitor’s game hostage.”
Genius and Numark accuse Activision, now in control of 7 Studios, of withholding code and the game’s turntable controller in an attempt to delay its release, thus helping DJ Hero gain ground on its competitor’s release date. Genius and Numark are seeking “substantial damages.” When Rock Daily spoke to Scratch adviser Quincy Jones III, he seemed unconcerned with sharing shelf space with DJ Hero, telling us “I don’t have a whole lot of detail about what they’re doing. But I do know that ours is going to be a very authentic experience.”
Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/04/16/scratch-the-ultimate-dj-starts-a-legal-beef-with-dj-hero/
Genius said Wednesday that a judge had ordered Activision to return the development assets and custom turntables, which would enable Genius to "complete our game in a timely manner."
Source: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-activision16-2009apr16,0,5354511.story
Activision sued by Scratch DJ publisher for hindering production
Scratch DJ Game LCC, a joint venture between DVD distributor Genius Products and audio equipment manufacturer Numark Industries, is suing Activision over their upcoming multiplatform music title Scratch: The Ultimate DJ.
Genius Products claims that the Guitar Hero publisher is intentionally interfering with their game production by purchasing indie developer 7 Studios.
The distributor alleges that "Activision has engaged in intentional interference with contract, breach of contract...and misappropriation of trade secrets obtained from Genius to purchase 7 Studios, which is under contract to develop the much-anticipated new hip-hop video game, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ." The buyout of 7 Studios is already complete, though not yet made public.
According to the distributor, they commissioned 7 Studios to develop Scratch, but the studio fell behind schedule in October 2008. Their CEO, Lewis Peterson, cited money troubles as a key issue in January 2009. So over the next two months, Genius forked over a total of $533,000 while renegotiating milestones, all in an effort to get Scratch made.
In January, Genius was receiving numerous offers to buy Scratch, and the 7 Studios CEO approached a Genius executive with an offer from "a friend," who turned out to be Laird Malamed, senior VP of Guitar Hero and DJ Hero label Red Octane.
After DJ Hero was announced, Activision and Genius Products signed a nondisclosure agreement in February, granting Activision access to confidential data on Scratch and 7 Studios' progress.
Soon after, Activision showed renewed interest in buying the Scratch IP and corresponding music licenses from Genius for a generous "multimillion dollar" sum. Before the distributor could decline, Lewis Peterson sent an ominous e-mail to Genius, stating Activision did not want to see Scratch ship this year and was more than willing to buy 7 Studios just to ensure the game misses its 2009 deadline. Peterson explained that by absorbing 7 Studios, the Hero games publisher "would then control the developer and would have a lot more control over how development went."
He also told Genius via e-mail that Activision "has ways to get what they want that would leave Genius in a difficult position, possibly with nothing."
In February, after Activision announced DJ Hero the previous month, Genius demonstrated Scratch: The Ultimate DJ for the publishing giant. They claim that following the demonstration, Activision's senior VP of legal and business affairs Gregory Deutsch stated "Scratch as an IP has no value... [because] no one knows what Scratch is."
He then warned Genius that unless Activision published their DJ game, the distributor would run into a "legal buzz saw" by patent holders. According to Genius, Deutsch even said that if they went to another publisher, Scratch "would not see the light of day."
The next four days were riddled by offers and counter offers from Activision, until the 7 Studios buyout finally went through. Genius products now claims that following the buyout, Activision did indeed hamper production by "commandeering the individual game programmers who were devoted full time to [Scratch]."
Some time in April, they finally came to a verbal agreement with 7 Studios, now an Activision subsidary, to finish Scratch on time. However, in a following meeting, Peterson was demanding more funding for the game -- twice the original amount he quoted in January. He even threatened Genius, saying that if they missed any payments, "all intellectual property rights to the game would revert to 7 Studios."
At this point, Genius Products finally severed its agreement with 7 Studios on April 2, announcing plans to send employees over to retrieve "all Scratch DJ-owned property relating to the game" on April 6. When it came time to collect, 7 Studios allegedly rejected the termination notice and would not turn over Scratch hardware and software assets. Genius tried sending another request on April 10 to get their assets back, but 7 Studios refused once again.
The lawsuit filed by Genius seeks the return of all said assets so that the company may "attempt to salvage its 'first to market' status." They are also seeking "substantial damages" from Activision.
Source: http://www.neoseeker.com/news/10465-activision-sued-by-scratch-dj-publisher-for-hindering-production/