Orange Order to sue Midway Games

The Grand Lodge of Ireland have filed a class action lawsuit against Netherrealm Studios, of Chicago, Illinois for copyright infringement.

Theft of intellectual property?

Netherrealm Studios, owned by Time Warner, formerly traded as Midway Games until filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2009 when the company was bought by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for $33 million plus receivables.

The dispute arises over Midway Games popular franchise 'Mortal Kombat', at term that the Order claims is steeped in Orange history and has been used without expressed permission of the Order.

A celebration of Mortal Kombat in Portadown.

"The Orange Order has for years suffered the blatant misuse of our intellectual property by this games company," said Edward Stevenson, Grand Master of Ireland, "however we can no longer stand by and allow the term to be associated with video game violence."

When asked if he preferred that the term be associated with violence against Catholics Mr Stevenson replied, "Don't be stupid. This is about preserving our history and heritage, and yes that did at a time involve a certain degree of violence against Catholics, but they started it. The term was first shouted by the Peep O' Day Boys at the glorious Battle of the Diamond that was instrumental in the formation of the Orange Order, it has been a part of our heritage since the very inception of Orangeism."

Mr Stevenson went on to add, "Even look at some of the characters in the game and tell me that they aren't loosely based on the Orangemen of old, one of them even looks to be wearing a sash."

One of the characters claimed to be based on early Orangemen.

The 'Battle of the Diamond' is conflict disputed by contemporary sources but nonetheless involved gunfire and a few deaths. And then they all went to the pub.

Some historian's believe that the term 'Mortal Kombat' originates from King William of Orange himself, as the 'K' instead of a 'C' in Kombat would seem to indicate a continental lilt, and that the term may have been called by the Duke of Schomberg as his forces crossed the Boyne at Oldbridge.

The earliest example of Mortal Kombat?

The Order's case will be heard in Chicago Supreme Court in April.