From http://gamepolitics.com/2007/03/16/breaking-take-two-sues-jack-thompson/

In the wake of a recent legal threat by Miami attorney Jack Thompson (left), game publisher Take Two Interactive has launched a pre-emptive strike.

With Thompson threatening to file suit to block the release of Grand Theft Auto 4 and Manhunt 2, Take Two has petitioned the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida for relief.

The software publisher seeks to block Thompson from trying to have the games declared a public nuisance under Florida law. Thompson filed a similar action against Take Two’s Bully last October, but a Florida judge rejected Thompson’s contention, allowing Bully to be sold by retailers.

In its complaint, Take Two claims the action is necessary because:

"Thompson has a history of making multiple threats of legal action, whether substantiated or not, both against (Take Two) as well as the retailers who purchase the video games and offer them for sale to the public. Thompson has made such threats again in connection with Manhunt 2 and GTAIV…"

The suit alleges that Thompson’s public nuisance tactic violates Take Two’s First Amendment rights. Lawyers for the game publisher argue that the Florida statute under which Thompson is seeking to have the games declared as nuisances essentially makes the controversial lawyer “a private attorney general on behalf of the State of Florida.”

Take Two is also seeking to recover from Thompson its attorney fees and other costs incurred related to the pending legal action.

For his part, Thompson criticizes the Take Two complaint in a writ filed with the Florida Supreme Court, and rather dubiously takes credit for a recent shareholder revolt which is expected to result in the firing of CEO Paul Eibeler as early as next week. The attorney writes:

"So successful has Thompson been in exposing the fraud and criminal conduct of Take-Two on the national stage… that a corporate coup by 46% of Take-Two’s shareholders is set for March 23, which nearly all financial analysts… are predicting will be successful and which will result in the firing of all Take-Two management and the entire board…"

They didn’t exactly kiss and make up, but Grand Theft Auto publisher Take Two Interactive and anti-game attorney Jack Thompson have apparently reached settlement on a pair of pending legal actions in Florida.

One immediate result is that Thompson will no longer have to worry about being jailed for contempt of court in regard to last October’s Bully case.

GamePolitics readers may recall that Take Two filed suit against Thomspon in a Florida federal court last month. T2’s action was primarily based upon Thompson’s threats to sue to block sales of upcoming Rockstar games Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV.

Thompson promptly filed a countersuit whch was highlighted by charges that Take Two violated federal racketeering (RICO) statutes. The controversial attorney also accused several prominent game media outlets (including GamePolitics) of participating in a vast conspiracy against him. However, as reported by GamePolitics, an amended complaint subsequently filed by Thompson quietly dropped the RICO allegations

In the settlement, filed with Federal District Court Judge Cecilia Altonaga, Thompson has agreed that he:

1.) will not sue or threaten to sue to block sale or distribution of any game published by Take Two or its subsidiaries (i.e., Rockstar).

2.) will not communicate to Take Two or anyone doing business with T2 (like, say Wal-Mart) any accusation that the company committed any wrongdoing by selling its games. Thompson is not restricted from criticizing the content of T2 games, nor is he prevented from acting as counsel in lawsuits brought against Take Two by other parties

3.) will make any future contacts with T2 through its attorneys

For its part Take Two has agreed to dismiss the federal lawsuit and Thompson will drop his counterclaim. T2 has also agreed to drop the Bully contempt of court matter. There was to have been a hearing on the case tomorrow morning, and Thompson could potentially have been jailed if he were found to be in contempt by a Miami-Dade County judge.

After attacking the evil gaming industry directly, Jack Thompson has chosen his next opponent, and a new direction. He may be on to something this time, having chosen a foe that everyone can hate. Who, you might ask? None other than those ungodly, depraved, despicable, child-hating bastards at Wendy’s.

That’s right. Wendy’s. The burger place. The burger place that would love nothing more than to have your kids play Manhunt 2, kill their playmates, and punch babies in the face.

“But, Wendy’s doesn’t have anything to do with Manhunt 2″, you might point out. Well, that’s where you are sorely mistaken, you weak-minded dolt. You’ve fallen right into their trap. But, Jack Thompson hasn’t. Oh no, he was able to see through all of their BS, and has laid out their plan for all to see. Jack has used his logic skills to break it all down, and it goes a little something like this:

1. Wendy’s is promoting the Nintendo Wii by providing Wii toys in their kids meals

2. Rockstar Games is releasing Manhunt 2 for the Wii

3. Therefore, we are left with no other choice, but to believe that Wendy’s is promoting Manhunt 2, and encouraging your kids to play violent games that will turn them into cold-blooded killers.

America, band together! Wendy’s must be stopped!

I've already got a Jack thread:

http://www.sydlexia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2192