Nintendo Wins Lawsuit To End Unauthorized Mario Kart Tours In Tokyo

Early last year, Nintendo revealed that it was suing the MariCAR go-kart service over intellectual property infringement. The Japanese company specializes in go-kart tours through Tokyo; customers could dress like popular Nintendo characters during these trips, something Nintendo never authorized. Now, more than a year later, Nintendo has announced victory in the legal matter, stating that it has successfully put an end to the costumes.

According to the MariCAR website, anyone visiting Tokyo can participate in go-kart tours on public roads, assuming they have a valid driver's license accepted by the Japanese government. The company shows various themed riding options, such as a currently advertised superhero ride in which it appears drivers can wear Superman's suit and similar costumes.

Until now, a Mario Kart theme was also an option, though there doesn't appear to be any trace of Nintendo's intellectual property on the MariCAR website at this time. Riders would dress like Mario, Luigi, Peach, or other popular characters and engage in their own version of the popular racing game.

In a statement published today by Nintendo, the company revealed that it won its IP lawsuit, forcing MariCAR to stop offering go-kart tours with its video game characters. The company also mentions being awarded damages for the unauthorized use, but no specific figures were revealed. It appears MariCAR has also changed its name to Mari Mobility.

SOURCE: Nintendo Japan