Report: Bethesda, Interplay reach settlement in Fallout dispute

A settlement has been reached between Bethesda and Interplay with regards to the legal battle surrounding Interplay's use of the Fallout franchise, according to media reports. As noted on Fallout fansite Duck & Cover, a settlement was reached during the recent trial, although details regarding the settlement are yet to be divulged, and are due to be announced later this month. Bethesda originally sued Interplay back in 2009, accusing the company of trademark infringement over the original Fallout titles, and breach of contract regarding a Fallout MMO that Interplay was developing. Bethesda was denied a motion for a preliminary injunction against Interplay at the end of 2009, and again in 2011, allowing Interplay to continue work on its Fallout MMO without resistance. In response, Interplay said that Bethesda was purposefully trying to drag out the case in order to exploit Interplay's dire financial situation. "Bethesda was keenly aware that Interplay could not fund expensive, protracted litigation," it said. A SEC filing last year further outlined the company's poor financial state, which could lead Interplay to cease operations if new financing is not secured in the near future.