Nintendo wins battle against Go-kart Tokyo attraction

The chance to go karting in the streets of Tokyo dressed as a Super Mario character has for many years been a popular experience for tourists visiting Japan.

But despite the similarities with the famous characters of Nintendo, the Japanese giant of the game has nothing to do with this attraction. Known to protect its intellectual property, Nintendo has brought MariCar – the service operator – to sue copyright infringement and has just ruled in favor of Nintendo.

The Tokyo District Court on Thursday ordered MariCar, which operates the attraction, to stop renting Nintendo-themed costumes to runners and pay damages to the Japanese video game giant. Nintendo is seeking 10 million yen worth of damage, or nearly $ 90,000, although the actual amount that MariCar will have to pay is yet to be confirmed.

The decision seems likely to end the rides, unless MariCar completely revises its branding strategy.

In a statement issued after the decision, Nintendo said, "In order to protect our valuable intellectual property, which we have accumulated over many years of effort, we will continue to take the necessary steps."

MariCar said that he would take a closer look at the decision before making a comment.

At the time of writing, the MariCar website is still online, offering tourists the opportunity to "go street karting in Tokyo!" Kart, "though in the bottom of the customer comments, someone writes about being" disguised as a Mario go-kart ".

Prices for rides start at 9,000 yen and 15,000 yen, depending on the route. From a maximum duration of three hours, the experience is offered in eight different Tokyo stores, as well as in other cities like Osaka and Kyoto.

Although the course is much appreciated by those who have tried it, it can be difficult for inexperienced drivers or new visitors who do not know the Japanese road rules. Occasional accidents have been reported over the years. with an earlier this year a Singaporean in a fleet of five cars who lost control of her kart before getting on the sidewalk and colliding with a storefront. Nobody was seriously injured.

Those who want to experience the race would do better to hurry, or wait to see if MariCar is maintaining its service on the road via a rushed name change.