Gizmodo editor-in-chief claims ‘Tetris’ film copied from his book

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Gizmodo Tetris lawsuit overview: 

• Who: Daniel Ackerman filed a lawsuit against Noah Pink, Apple Inc., Tetris Holding LLC, AI Productions Ltd., Marv Studios Ltd., Access Industries Inc. and FB Commissioning Ltd.  
• Why: Ackerman, editor-in-chief of Gizmodo and author of the book “The Tetris Effect,” claims the “Tetris” movie was adapted from his work without his knowledge, consent or authorization. 
• Where: The lawsuit was filed in New York federal court. 

The author of the book “The Tetris Effect” and editor-in-chief of Gizmodo is arguing the recently released “Tetris” movie was adapted from his work without his knowledge, authorization or consent. 

Plaintiff Daniel Ackerman claims it becomes “readily apparent” while viewing Tetris — which was released in March — that the film is “substantially similar in almost all material aspects,” to his book. 

“The characters, story, presentation and underlining themes as observed in the Tetris film, were substantially similar, if not identical, to those proffered and included at the heart of Mr. Ackerman’s book several years before,” the Tetris lawsuit states. 

Ackerman filed his complaint against Noah Pink, who has been credited as the screenwriter for the Tetris film; Apple, which distributed the movie; and The Tetris Co., which manages and licenses the Tetris brand to third parties; among several others. 

Tetris threatened legal action if ‘The Tetris Effect’ author pursued projects for his book, suit says

Ackerman claims Maya Rogers, the president and CEO of The Tetris Co., reviewed his book in 2016 and used its contents for Pink to develop a screenplay, “the contents of which was taken from the book and deceptively made into a film project.” 

Further, Ackerman argues he was not given any optioning or licensing rights for his book to be used for the Tetris movie, and, on the contrary, was threatened with legal action if he “continued to pursue any such projects for his own book and creative work.” 

“On September 1, 2016, Tetris Company directly sent a strongly worded Cease and Desist letter to an agent for Mr. Ackerman, whose only crime was doing his job, and pursuing film and television opportunities for the critically acclaimed book,” the Tetris lawsuit states.

Ackerman claims the defendants are guilty of copyright infringement, with Pink, Rogers and The Tetris Co. additionally accused of unfair competition, and Rogers and The Tetris Co. further accused of tortious interference with business relations. 

In his lawsuit, the Gizmodo editor-in-chief is demanding a jury trial and requesting actual, compensatory and punitive damages. 

A number of other complaints involving Apple have recently been in the news, including claims revolving around monopolization, federal regulations, competition, misleading investors and a failure to adequately disclose. 

What are your thoughts on the allegations against Tetris? Let us know in the comments. 

The plaintiff is represented by Kevin A. Landau and Zachary R. Landau of The Landau Group PC.

The Gizmodo Tetris lawsuit is Ackerman v. Pink, et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-06952, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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