Title: Unofficial Game Versions Leaked Before Launch, MiHoYo Seeks Interlocutory Injunction
Recently, screenshots from the internal test versions of “Genshin Impact” and “Blasphemous: Star Rail” have spread on social media, sparking heated discussions among players. Are these screenshots official trailers or the result of intentional leaks? In response, game developer MiHoYo has filed a motion for interlocutory injunction with the Shanghai Xuhui Intermediate People’s Court, requesting the court to prohibit the unauthorized dissemination of unpublicized versions of the games.
MiHoYo claims that the dynamic scenes featuring its characters, actions, and skill effects in the games constitute “audiovisual works” under the Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China. The company asserts that it holds the copyright for these elements. However, MiHoYo discovered that game streamer Wu Moumou was regularly and specifically broadcasting these unpublicized versions of the games on his Douyin account. The videos were posted during the testing period, with the highest views reaching 3.96 million and 1.385 million, respectively. MiHoYo argues that Wu Moumou’s actions not only infringe upon the company’s copyright but also violate industry norms, disrupting the game’s operations and promotional rhythm and damaging the company’s legitimate rights and interests, thereby constituting unfair competition.
Upon receiving the application, the Shanghai Xuhui Intermediate People’s Court convened an expedited hearing and, after a thorough review, legally ruled that Wu Moumou must immediately cease disseminating the unpublicized versions of the games. The order was immediately effective upon issuance.
In its deliberation, the Shanghai Xuhui Intermediate People’s Court relied on the “Provisions on the Review of Intellectual Property Dispute Interlocutory Injunction Cases” to conduct a focused examination of the applicant’s request. The court found that game streamer Wu Moumou had been regularly broadcasting dynamic game scenes of “Genshin Impact” and “Blasphemous: Star Rail” on Douyin during the testing period. These scenes contained characters, weapons, monsters, maps, storylines, gameplay, and activity tasks that MiHoYo had not yet made public. Both games were highly popular and had significant commercial value. If Wu Moumou’s actions were not immediately halted, it would significantly impact MiHoYo’s operational strategies, and his continued dissemination of unpublicized versions of the games could further expand the infringement. Therefore, the court deemed it necessary to take immediate action to prevent irreparable losses.
In conclusion, the Shanghai Xuhui Intermediate People’s Court ruled that Wu Moumou must immediately cease disseminating the unpublicized versions of the games.