The Claim that ‘NetEase Sued Blizzard and Won in the First Trial’ Is Not True
On August 29, media reported on the court ruling in the dispute case between NetEase and Blizzard. In response, a journalist confirmed with related personnel from Blizzard that ‘NetEase won the first instance lawsuit against Blizzard’ is not accurate; the case has not entered the substantive trial stage of the first instance, and there are currently no other legal disputes between the two parties. Since announcing their renewed collaboration in April, NetEase and Blizzard have been closely working together to gradually bring Blizzard games back to domestic players. The two parties successfully launched the latest expansion of ‘World of Warcraft’, ‘Battle for Azeroth’, in sync with the global release on August 27.
Previously, there were reports indicating that relevant information shows that recently, Shanghai NetEase Network Technology Development Co., Ltd. had a dispute over the computer software copyright licensing contract with Blizzard Entertainment Co., Ltd., which incudes new information on the civil first instance ruling. The content indicates that the application by Shanghai NetEase is in accordance with legal regulations, allowing for the seizure, detention, and freezing of property worth over 139 million yuan belonging to Blizzard Entertainment Co., Ltd.
A search on the China Judgment Document website revealed that the ruling date for this civil contract dispute between NetEase and Blizzard is July 17, 2023.
On April 10, 2024, Blizzard and NetEase officially announced their ‘reunion,’ stating that they have reached a new game distribution agreement based on more than 15 years of collaboration.
At the 21st ChinaJoy exhibition in July, both Blizzard and NetEase exhibited together. Blizzard set up game experience zones for ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘Hearthstone,’ as well as an esports competition area. The main creators of ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘Hearthstone’ also attended ChinaJoy to interact face-to-face with players.
