Lawsuit asks judge to prevent the launch of Disney Lorcana

The pending launch of Ravensburger’s Disney LorcanaThe Upper Deck Company has filed a new, explosive lawsuit against the trading card game. In the 19-page complaint, issued today to a California court, the rival publisher alleges that co-designer Ryan Miller previously created a similar game that is “nearly identical” to Disney Lorcana While under contract with Upper Deck. Upper Deck, in addition to other relief requests, is also asking the judge for an Injunction which would stop Upper Deck from releasing any of its products. Disney Lorcana, currently expected at this year’s Gen Con convention in August.

Upper Deck has claimed that it is paying Miller to create the game Upper Deck. Rush of Ikorr The game has yet to be released. According to reports, players take the roles of ancient Greeks or indigenous Mesoamerican gods. This complaint is very detailed to support its allegations. Disney LorcanaThe following are some examples of how to get started: Ikorr’s RushThe same or similar mechanisms. It also calls into question Miller and Ravensburger’s intent with regard to sourcing the rules for their own game. In the complaint, it states:

Throughout Miller’s time as lead game designer of Rush of Ikorr Miller had direct access to Upper Deck’s confidential, proprietary information, including, without limitation, Rush of Ikorr draft rules, concepts, components, designs, marketing strategies, and plans for implementation. Miller retained access to all of these items even after terminating Upper Deck. Miller used them, made references to them, or otherwise relied on their information to develop Lorcana. […]

Rather than allow Miller to honor the Agreements and their terms, Upper Deck is informed and believes that Ravensburger induced and intended for Miller to breach his obligations so that it could capitalize on Miller’s knowledge of the elements of the Rush of Ikorr game so he could make a near-identical game for it. Ravensburger was able to take advantage of this to get a competitive edge, a faster launch and to bring an almost identical TCG product to the market.

The complaint goes on to demand punitive damages, restitution, “injunctive relief enjoining Ravensburger from publicly releasing Lorcana,” and more. The company has also submitted a patent for Rush of Ikorr

“We invested significant time and resources to develop a new and novel trading card game,” said Upper Deck President Jason Masherah in a news release shared with Polygon. “Our current leadership values the importance of protecting intellectual property of both Upper Deck and its licensors.”

“We encourage competition in the industry,” Masherah continued, “but also strongly believe in playing by the rules to ensure the gaming community benefits from the different creative choices by each manufacturer.”

Polygon has contacted Ravensburger & Miller for a comment.

Disney LorcanaIn August 2022, the announcement was made. Upper Deck’s product description is far from the family-friendly TCG. Its relatively bloodless game play stands in sharp contrast with its intended audience. The first set is a collection of Disney LorcanaIn September at the D23 Fan Convention, cards were released. This sparked a flurry of speculation on secondary markets. In April 2023 the rules were accidentally leaked in a magazine. Polygon covered the rules and Miller’s interview in more detail. Miller’s public demonstration of Disney Lorcana Recently, the U.K. Games Expo 2023 was held.

Please find below an embedded version of the complete complaint.