Konami has issued a statement on the judge’s rulings in its litigation with Upper Deck (see “Konami, Upper Deck Trial Set”).  “…[O]ur cause was just,” Konami Digital Entertainment Chairman Kazumi Kitaue said of the rulings.  “This ruling shows Duelists, distributors and our hobby and retail partners the great lengths we will go to protect the integrity of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG and the products that are on store shelves.” 

 

Upper Deck Company imported 611,000 unauthentic Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG cards, according to the statement, which were printed in China.  The case began when Konami discovered the cards in packages distributed by Vintage Sports Cards.

 

The court also ruled against Upper Deck’s countersuit which accused Konami of breaching the parties’ distribution agreement and slandering Upper Deck. 

 

The trial, which begins January 26th, will determine whether damages should be awarded, and if so in what amount.