Ramar Larkins Jones of Seattle has been sued by the lawyers of Pokemon Company International over planning a Pokemon-themed party before the Penny Arcade Expo (PAX).
Ramar says that he has been organizing parties since 2011 and never thought that he will be sued for planning an unofficial party. The company is claiming $4,000 to settle the claim, which the Pokeman fan says he does not have.
Ramar suggests that he canceled the party after receiving a notice from Pokemon Company International. Ramar says he thought that he will be fine as he has canceled the Pokemon party. However, he was wrong.
"I thought it was a scare tactic," says Ramar. "I thought once the party was canceled there would be nothing more about this. I'm shocked."
Pokemon Company International has sued Ramar over claimed copyright infringement just the night before Ramar's "5th Annual Unofficial Pokemon PAX Kickoff Party." The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington, which alleged Ramar of using photos of Pikachu and Snivy, two of Pokemon's copyrighted characters, on a Facebook post of the event and on a poster.
Ramar, a café manager in Seattle, has now started a crowdfunding campaign to raise $4,000, which he has to pay by mid-November this year.
"PAX is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the parties, the fandom, cosplay and overall geek spirit that descends on Seattle," says Ramar on the crowdfunding page. "The day before the PAX party, Pokemon sued me. Without even a cease and desist.Totally didn't expect that. I canceled the party"
Ramar indicates that he raised $500 by selling tickets worth $2 per person. However, he also notes that he spent $450 on giveaways like a Kindle Fire and cash prizes. He also spent money on decorations and for a DJ. When he called off the party Ramar refunded the ticket amount of $2 to everyone.
Luckily enough for Ramar, many Pokemon fans have made contributions towards his plea and he has raised more than $4,000 just within three days.
