When video game developer UbiFun learned that the source code for its most popular game was leaked to unauthorized users, the troubling discovery served as a catalyst for the company and its seasoned trademark litigation attorneys to deploy a disciplined IP enforcement plan that optimized the scope of its trademark registrations and restored control over its creative work.
UbiFun transforms legacy MMORPG Dekaron
UbiFunstudio. Co., Ltd. is a Korea-based global game developer founded with the vision of building a truly ubiquitous gaming world, where both MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) service providers and players can enjoy meaningful and rewarding experiences. Since taking over Dekaron, UbiFun has rolled out weekly updates and prioritized transparent communication through in-game chat and YouTube livestreams to boost service quality and player satisfaction. This hands-on approach, guided by the CEO’s global studio experience, has earned glowing community feedback and continues to shape UbiFun’s direction. At its core, UbiFun keeps players at the center and raises the bar for MMORPGs, earning praise from the gaming community.
Software knockoffs: Not all fun and games
Unfortunately, UbiFun had to confront widespread piracy after its game software leaked and spread across illicit networks, giving rise to a significant number of infringing titles worldwide. These unauthorized operators don’t just copy UbiFun’s original code and creative assets—they also misuse its “Dekaron” trademark with names like “Dekaron Rising” and “Tempest Dekaron.”
The impact is real, as legitimate players leave official servers for illegal replicas that offer perks in exchange for donations, jeopardizing game stability and player safety. Worse, these rogue servers can vanish overnight, exposing players to hacking risks and leaving them without recourse.
UbiFun believes that accountability, not just takedowns, is key to stopping repeat offenders. When these serial infringers continually rebuilt operations after takedowns and exploited practical limits of US intellectual property enforcement against non US defendants, UbiFun engaged Nixon Peabody attorneys Yun Kim, Korea Practice Team Leader, and Erica Van Loon, Copyright, Trademark, and Media Litigation Team Leader, to help solidify its mission to protect its players and enforce its copyrights and trademarks in the US and beyond.
Leveling up through litigation
UbiFun isn’t just fighting piracy—it’s winning. Working with Nixon Peabody, the company has deployed a structured enforcement strategy to protect Dekaron and its intellectual property worldwide. Although its copyrights and trademarks were initially registered in Korea, UbiFun secured US trademark registration to strengthen global enforcement. From there, the team demanded takedowns and, when necessary, deployed Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) subpoenas to unmask infringers and pursue copyright and trademark litigation.
UbiFun and Nixon Peabody’s aggressive strategy resulted in securing six figure judgments, numerous takedowns, and permanent injunctions from district courts against multiple defendants. UbiFun and the NP team continue to pursue enforcement actions, including litigation, against major US based infringers to make recovery feasible and deter future violations. The team also obtained TROs to target payment processors that fund illegal servers, cutting off critical revenue streams ultimately through permanent injunctions and asset seizure. This sustained program of hardline action, coupled with careful attention to IP protection and cybersecurity measures, is helping UbiFun protect its ecosystem, deter future violations, and defeat piracy at scale.
"By aggressively combating illegal servers and preventing repeat infringements, we protect our player community and maintain a healthy service ecosystem, ensuring Dekaron continues to grow together with legitimate users and thrive long-term."
Achieving a high score for IP defense
UbiFun is committed to creating a safe, fair environment where players can enjoy Dekaron with confidence. Central to this effort is UbiFun’s IP Protection strategy, which targets corporate-style operators with traceable payment channels. By recovering damages that exceed litigation costs, UbiFun and the NP team can stop violations and establish strong deterrence. Recent US enforcement successes lay the groundwork for broader global IP protection initiatives, ensuring players everywhere can enjoy games safely through official services.
Through its targeted IP enforcement campaign of securing takedowns, obtaining judgments, and pursuing and recovering damages from cybercriminals, UbiFun signals to partners and players that it defends its creations and supports a healthier marketplace, where legitimate studios and their innovations can thrive. Nixon Peabody is proud to be a dedicated supporter of UbiFun and the gaming industry, championing creativity, innovation, and global engagement.
