Escalation of IP Battle: Sony Demands Preliminary Injunction Against Tencent’s ‘Light of Motiram’

The high-stakes legal confrontation between gaming titans Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and Tencent Holdings Ltd. has reached a critical juncture. SIE has formally requested a preliminary injunction against Tencent’s upcoming title, Light of Motiram, intensifying the claim that the Chinese megacorp’s project is a “slavish clone” of its flagship Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West franchises. This move underscores the immense value Sony places on its proprietary intellectual property (IP) and its determination to protect the PlayStation ecosystem from what it labels as blatant copyright infringement.

The motion, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks to immediately bar Tencent from promoting, distributing, or using several key elements of Light of Motiram while the broader copyright lawsuit proceeds. This action comes as a direct response to Tencent’s earlier motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which the Chinese publisher argued was an “improper attempt to fence off a well-trodden corner of popular culture,” claiming the game only utilized “time-honored tropes.”

Core Arguments: Character, Aesthetics, and Irreparable Harm

Sony’s request for injunctive relief is laser-focused on preventing the continued use of several elements it argues are direct and protected copies of the Horizon series. The primary target of the injunction is the protagonist of Light of Motiram, who Sony describes as a “fierce tribal warrior huntress characterized by fiery red hair”—an undeniable and allegedly infringing likeness to Aloy, the central character of the Horizon universe and a critical figure in the PlayStation Studios portfolio.

Sony’s legal team asserts that the similarities extend beyond mere character design, encompassing the distinct post-apocalyptic, tribal-tech aesthetic, the world’s narrative setting, and even musical elements. The filing specifically targets a melody used in the Light of Motiram promotional materials, which is alleged to be too close to two compositions from the Horizon Zero Dawn OST, including the main theme.

The legal documents stress that the harm caused by Tencent’s actions is already in effect. Sony points to a flurry of media reports, gaming news coverage, and widespread consumer confusion online following the announcement of Light of Motiram in late 2024. This public reaction, which overwhelmingly tagged Tencent’s game as a “knock-off” and an “obvious rip-off,” is being leveraged as evidence that the public has already recognized the pervasive copying. Furthermore, Sony argues that the continued promotion of the alleged clone “jeopardizes Horizon’s continued success, including current expansion plans for the franchise.”

The ‘Shell Game’ Allegation and Corporate Liability

A significant aspect of Sony’s counter-filing addresses Tencent’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit based on corporate structure. Tencent has previously argued that the game is being developed and published by subsidiary studios, attempting to shield the parent entity, Tencent Holdings, from liability. Sony has vehemently rejected this defense, accusing Tencent of “playing a shell game with its brands and entities” to evade responsibility.

Sony asserts that Tencent Holdings is ultimately at the helm, leveraging its brand and resources to promote the title. This corporate maneuvering, according to SIE, is a deliberate strategy to complicate the legal process and protect the infringing product. This argument is crucial, as the determination of corporate jurisdiction and liability could set a significant precedent in future international video game IP lawsuits.

Reviewing Game Development and Future Implications

Interestingly, the legal saga has brought to light new details about the Horizon franchise’s future. Sworn declarations filed by high-ranking PlayStation and Guerrilla Games executives confirmed that an Horizon Zero Dawn film adaptation is currently in active development, with a working script and a search for a director underway. The executives emphasized that Aloy is set to be a “key icon” in the anticipated film, making the defense of her visual and conceptual IP against an alleged clone even more critical and financially sensitive.

Tencent, in its opposition to the preliminary injunction, cited the game’s projected release date in late 2027 as proof that Sony could not demonstrate the necessary “immediate threatened injury.” However, Sony countered that the damage is already done through consumer confusion and the loss of control over its valuable IP. The request for an injunction is an attempt to mitigate this damage immediately, potentially forcing Tencent to redesign major elements of Light of Motiram or halt its development and promotion entirely.

The hearing on the preliminary injunction is reportedly scheduled for late November 2025. A decision in favor of Sony could serve as a powerful signal to the global game development community, particularly those involved in mobile game development and open-world survival games, regarding the enforcement of digital copyright and the protection of distinctive game design elements. Conversely, a rejection could embolden developers creating titles that closely resemble established franchises, complicating the landscape of creative IP protection in the multi-billion dollar gaming industry.

The outcome of this legal confrontation will be closely watched by analysts and industry professionals, as it will likely influence the strategies for IP licensing, international law, and game franchise expansion for years to come. This case represents a major conflict over creative originality and the extent of trademark law in the evolving world of AAA video game review and production.

Key Developments in the Lawsuit:

• Sony filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against Light of Motiram.
• The injunction seeks to bar the use of a red-haired protagonist similar to Aloy and other visual/audio elements.
• Sony accused Tencent of “playing a shell game” to avoid liability via subsidiaries.
• Tencent maintains the game uses only “well-trodden tropes” and that the lawsuit is premature.
• Court filings confirmed the Horizon Zero Dawn film is in active development, highlighting the value of the IP.