Just Games Interactive Entertainment, which operates a Los Angeles based mobile studio known as Kung Fu Factory, is suing Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner and Glu Mobile over Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, the fabulously successful celebrity simulation.
According to a report from Courthouse News Service, which has combed through the legal complaint, Kung Fu Factory prepared a detailed pitch for Kardashian agent Brian Siegrest, including game designs and artwork. But the deal died on the vine; months later, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood popped up from Glu Mobile. Kung Fu Factory alleges that elements of its presentation ended up in the game Glu released.
The company — the developer of multiple mobile games, including Adventure Time Card Wars — seeks at least $10 million in damages from the defendants.
As reported by the Associated Press, Glu released a statement calling the lawsuit frivolous. It’s worth noting that Kim Kardashian: Hollywood followed in the footsteps of Glu’s prior game, Stardom: Hollywood, which featured similar gameplay and aesthetics, minus the celebrity endorsement.
Want to understand what the big deal about Kim K’s hit game is? Read our 2014 interview with Glu Canada general manger Christopher Locke.
Coincidentally, Glu reported its most recent quarterly results today, reporting a slight year-over-year drop in revenue to $63.3 million for the three months ended September 30, with non-GAAP net income of $7.7 million. The company hired Nick Earl, a veteran of Kabam and EA’s mobile efforts, as its new president of studios. Earl resigned from Kabam after just 11 months.