Real-life Pinkertons are suing Rockstar over Red Dead Redemption 2
Pinkerton, the real-life private security and detective agency, is suing Rockstar and parent company Take-Two.
Pinkerton filed a complaint against Take-Two, alleging that the publisher has no right to use the name in Red Dead Redemption 2.
As reported by The Verge, the cease-and-desist order was filed in December, and demands Take-Two pays Pinkerton back royalties for using its name, or a lump sum to settle out of court.
Red Dead Redemption 2 features Pinkerton agents, referred to as Pinkertons throughout the game, in a few ways. They're depicted as antagonists, constantly hunting down Dutch's gang and its members.
Since then, Take-Two counter-sued, saying that its use of the brand falls under fair use and is protected by First Amendment principles. The publisher also notes Pinkertons have been depicted in other popular media over the years, as well as the fact Red Dead Redemption 2 makes many other references to 19th century America in its authentic portrayal.
You can read the full complaint in the filings embedded below:
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