CygamesKonami, publisher of Silent Hill f, and Cygames, developer of Umamusume: Pretty Derby have settled their long-running patent dispute, bringing an end to one of Japan’s biggest gaming lawsuits ever.
The case was filed in the Tokyo District Court in March 2023, when Konami sued Cygames’ parent company CyberAgent, claiming the hit horse-girl training game infringed on one of its gameplay patents. Konami was reportedly seeking around ¥4 billion (roughly $29 million USD) in damages and a suspension of the game’s distribution.
However, Cygames denied the allegations, insisting that Umamusume did not violate any patents and that it intended to defend its position in court.
According to Automaton, both companies have now confirmed the matter has been resolved through a settlement, with Konami withdrawing its claim and Cygames continuing to operate the game as normal.
Umamusume devs and Konami end legal dispute
CyberAgent’s latest financial filing stated that “a resolution has been reached” and that the impact on its business performance would be “minor.”
Autotomaton speculates the dispute is likely centered on an in-game system that enables players to select characters and “support” units, triggering specific in-game events – a mechanic similar to the training systems used in Umamusume.
CygamesWhile the financial terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, Umamusume: Pretty Derby will continue to run without any changes. The mobile game remains one of Japan’s top-grossing titles, consistently dominating the App Store charts and generating billions of yen in annual revenue.
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It’s also built a devoted following overseas, where players have embraced the series’ mix of racing and idol culture. The love for the game has even been reflected in the real world, where fans famously sent food to viral horses like Haru Urara and even competed in real-life cosplay horse races.