UD Will Continue to Support Yu-Gi-Oh! Events

While Upper Deck’s legal battles with Konami Digital Entertainment continue over the termination of its exclusive distribution contract for the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game, Upper Deck said last week that it “reiterates its commitment” to support organized play programs and all organizers who wish to run events.

The company said player ratings will still be updated on its website and event organizers can continue to use UD’s Mantis software program to run their Yu-Gi-Oh! events.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to you – the players, organizers and retailers – and will do everything within our power to maintain the same high level of Organized Play during this uncertain time,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Upper Deck Panoceanic and Upper Deck International, the divisions of the company that distribute the company’s products in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Latin America, announced they will file an injunction today in the Netherlands against Konami.

“Upper Deck was given no other choice since Konami unlawfully terminated the exclusive distribution agreement for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game,” the statement said. “We need to protect our company’s interest, but more importantly, we need to stand up for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand, our customers and our players. Konami’s unfounded decision caught us all by surprise and their statement has seriously damaged the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand and Upper Deck’s excellent reputation in the marketplace.”