PopCap Payout To MumboJumbo Reaches $7.3M

Total damages and fees to be paid out by PopCap to competing casual developer MumboJumbo in a recent trial have reached $7.5 million, say lawyers representing MumboJumbo. Last week, a Dallas jury awarded MumboJumbo $4.6 million in damages after finding PopCap liable for fraud, tortious interference, and breach of contract resulting from a soured 2006 distribution deal between the two companies. MumboJumbo alleged PopCap tampered with its retailer relationships and broke from agreements that MumboJumbo, rather than PopCap, would distribute certain PopCap games at retail. Now, legal firm Rose Walker, which represented MumboJumbo in the trial, says PopCap has also been saddled with $2.7 million in legal fees. At the time of the initial ruling, PopCap said it would appeal the court's decision. "PopCap continues to believe that it did nothing wrong in this case, and will vigorously pursue its claims and defend itself through the appeals process," said public relations VP Garth Chouteau. In a statement today, Rose Walker attorney Mike Richardson said, "We are happy to see the court award these fees. MumboJumbo shouldn't have to bear the cost of proving that PopCap breached the contract here."