Virtual animation firms go head to head as lawyers are drafted in
A legal battle is brewing between two rival Glasgow-based virtual animation firms after one accused the other of “ripping off” its intellectual property.
DA Group, based at The Lighthouse, has created a series of 3D digital clones which Egobots.com say are too similar to their own 3D characters to be a coincidence, a claim that DA has strongly denied.
The row has come to light after Egobots.com issued a press release claiming its ‘Egopimp’ character had been copied by DA Group, which has launched ‘Street Diddi’ characters.
In a bid to prevent the allegations being published, DA Group sent a lawyers’ letter to members of the print media which had been in touch with Egobots, including The Scotsman and Evening Times.
David Brown, chief executive of Egobots.com is currently seeking legal advice on the matter as is the DA Group which has strenuously denied the allegations.
A spokesperson for DA Group said;: "The allegations are totally without foundation. The comments made by the individual and the company concerned are actionable in law and we intend to pursue the matter vigorously through all legal routes open to us."
Egobots Limited was founded in 2004 by David Brown, launching in November 2005. Its 3D Egobots launched in April.
DA Group was founded in 1990 by CEO Mike Antliff.. The company made its name with the creation of virtual newsreader Ananova.
Egobots.com is shortlisted in the best website category in the Scottish Advertising Awards.