Lawsuit: Hernandez vs IGE
{{date|September 29, 2007}}

On May 31, 2007, C. Richard Newsome of the Newsome Law Firm, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Antonio Hernandez against [[w:IGE|IGE]] (Internet Gaming Entertainment).  The main thrust of the lawsuit is that IGE made a "calculated decision to reap substantial profits by knowingly interfering with and substantially impairing the intended use and enjoyment associated with consumer agreements between [[w:Blizzard Entertainment|Blizzard Entertainment]] and subscribers to its virtual world called [[w:World of Warcraft|World of Warcraft]] (WoW)."

Specifically, the lawsuit references IGE's practice of selling WoW items or WoW gold, generated by "[[w:Farmer (gaming)|farmers]]".

There is actually more than one IGE, both of whom are defendants in the lawsuit.  IGE, LTD. is a "foreign corporation with its principal place of business in Hong Kong, China, with offices" "located at Euclid Avenue, Suite 222, Miami Beach, Florida, 33149" and "Beverly Hills, California." IGE U.S. LLC. is a "Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 105 N.W. 43rd Street, Boca Raton, Florida, 33431." IGE U.S. LLC. is "an affiliated company" of IGE, LTD.

The lawsuit alleges that the amount in controversy exceeds US$5 million exclusive of interest and costs.

{{haveyoursay}}
== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/72346-IGE-Sued-By-World-Of-Warcraft-Player
|title=IGE Sued By World Of Warcraft Player
|author=Andy Chalk
|pub=The Escapist (website)
|date=June 1, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/interviews/1220-Plaintiff-s-Attorney-in-Player-IGE-Lawsuit-Speaks-to-The-Escapis
|title=Plaintiff's Attorney in Player-IGE Lawsuit Speaks to The Escapist
|author=Joe Blancato
|pub=The Escapist (website)
|date=June 1, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/47220
|title=MMO Gold Vendor IGE Sued
|author=Nick Breckon
|pub=Shacknews
|date=June 1, 2007}}
*{{source|url=https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dcwill/www/IGEComplaint.pdf
|title=Actual Text of the Lawsuit
|author=Antonio Hernandez, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated
|pub=United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
|date=May 31, 2007}}
*{{source|url=http://www.wowinsider.com/2007/05/31/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-ige/
|title=Class-action lawsuit filed against IGE
|author=Elizabeth Harper
|pub=Joystiq
|date=May 31, 2007}}

{{publish}}
{{archived}}

[[Category:United States]]
[[Category:Crime and law]]
On May 31, 2007, C. Richard Newsome of the Newsome Law Firm, filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Antonio Hernandez against IGE (Internet Gaming Entertainment).  The main thrust of the lawsuit is that IGE made a "calculated decision to reap substantial profits by knowingly interfering with and substantially impairing the intended use and enjoyment associated with consumer agreements between Blizzard Entertainment and subscribers to its virtual world called World of Warcraft (WoW)."

Specifically, the lawsuit references IGE's practice of selling WoW items or WoW gold, generated by "farmers".

There is actually more than one IGE, both of whom are defendants in the lawsuit.  IGE, LTD. is a "foreign corporation with its principal place of business in Hong Kong, China, with offices" "located at Euclid Avenue, Suite 222, Miami Beach, Florida, 33149" and "Beverly Hills, California." IGE U.S. LLC. is a "Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 105 N.W. 43rd Street, Boca Raton, Florida, 33431." IGE U.S. LLC. is "an affiliated company" of IGE, LTD.

The lawsuit alleges that the amount in controversy exceeds US$5 million exclusive of interest and costs.
United States Crime and law