3 family members who owned and operated a company called CoinOpStore as well as three people who worked there were charged with forging machines that played Galaga, Tank Battalion, and five different versions of Pac-Man. Collectively, the six are charged with 14 counts of felony counterfeiting, prosecutors said. Officials said that the proceeds from the sale of the machines may be seized - including $1.2 million in cash, a 2012 Mercedes Benz, a 2015 BMW and five properties.
Apparently making counterfeit arcade games is big business based on the seized assets. The article also states if convicted, they face a maximum term of 11 years and eight months in prison, ouch.
The unauthorized video games included "Galaga," "Tank Battalion," and at least five iterations of "Pac-Man," all of which are trademarked by Bandai Namco Entertainment, whose U.S. headquarters is also in Santa Clara. Engin said the games were contained in classic arcade machines, which sold for at least $1,495 apiece.
Apparently making counterfeit arcade games is big business based on the seized assets. The article also states if convicted, they face a maximum term of 11 years and eight months in prison, ouch.
The unauthorized video games included "Galaga," "Tank Battalion," and at least five iterations of "Pac-Man," all of which are trademarked by Bandai Namco Entertainment, whose U.S. headquarters is also in Santa Clara. Engin said the games were contained in classic arcade machines, which sold for at least $1,495 apiece.