History ScrewedByTheLawyers / BattleTech

However distinct the designs were, Harmony Gold did attempt to sue over them. In March 2017, Harmony Gold filed a complaint against Catalyst, as well as Piranha Games and Harebrained Schemes (makers of current [=BattleTech=] computer games, using original artwork adapted from the tabletop game) for infringement. Catalyst failed to defend itself at all, causing a judge to rule in Harmony Gold's favor by default, a decision that was later voided by mutual agreement of all parties at the time of settlement. The complaint against Harebrained Schemes was the most nonsensical, as the filed complaint against [=HBS=] claimed their designs too closely resembled Macross robots, despite being plainly based on other sources entirely (cited examples include the ''Atlas,'' based on an original [=BattleTech=] design, and the ''Shadow Hawk,'' inspired by a ''completely different anime franchise'', neither of which even remotely resembled the alleged infringed designs). A jury trial was set for September 2018, amid speculation that Harmony Gold had finally met its legal match in [=PGI=], who introduced evidence into open court from a 2017 arbitration agreement between Harmony Gold and Tatsunoko that stated that Harmony Gold did not have the copyright to the ''Macross'' designs, followed by a move by [=PGI=] to dismiss with prejudice on those grounds. Legal back-and-forth ensued, including the presiding judge threatening to impose severe legal sanctions on Harmony Gold's lawyers for insufficient attempts to rebut [=PGI=]'s claims. On April 9th, 2018, Harmony Gold's case against Harebrained Schemes was officially [[http://www.sarna.net/news/harmony-golds-case-against-harebrained-schemes-dismissed/ dismissed with prejudice.]] On June 21, 2018, it was announced that Harmony Gold, in an agreement with [=PGI=], had officially filed to dismiss with prejudice the cases against the remaining defendents, [=PGI=] and [=IMR=], meaning that the lawsuit is officially ended, with Harebrained Schemes, [=PGI=] and Catalyst presumably free to use the new artwork as they see fit.[[note]]It is important to note here that the case was ''not'' about the use of the "unseen", the actual anime art, which Catalyst has had a long-standing policy of not using ever again.[[/note]]

Also, in an unrelated bit, when the game was first released in 1984 it was known as "''[=BattleDroids=]''" but since Lucas owns the word Droid [[DisneyOwnsThisTrope it got into legal trouble over that name]] so in its next edition it was known as ''[=BattleTech=]'' and has been that ever since. Depending on who you talk to, this was done either because Creator/{{Lucasfilm}} sent a cease and desist letter over the use of the word "droid", or FASA decided to change the name on their own initiative in the hopes of getting on Lucas' good side while trying (and ultimately failing) to get a license to do a ''Franchise/StarWars'' roleplaying game.

The ''VideoGame/MechWarrior Online'' and ''VideoGame/BattleTech'' video games have since inserted partially redesigned versions of 'Unseen' designs in their 2018/2019 expansion packs, including the ''Phoenix Hawk, Rifleman, Archer, Warhammer,'' and ''Marauder'', five of the most popular and distinctive designs affected by the legal troubles. This seems to suggest that Harebrained Schemes, [=PGI=], and Catalyst are no longer concerned by Harmony Gold's interference in the matter, to the point that Harebrained Schemes openly and proudly announced that all ''[=BattleTech=]'' players would receive the ''Warhammer'' and ''Marauder'' update in the game for free to celebrate the release of their last major DLC package. Concurrently, by the spring of 2020, nearly all of the original 11 Unseen (except for the Scorpion and Goliath [[note]]Technically, the "Ost"-series (The Ostscout, Ostroc, Ostsol and Ostwar) are half-in, half-out of the Unseen category, as they were all inspired originally by variants of the Zentradi Regult battlepod, but subsequent iterations in the late '80s and through the '90s had left precious little of the original inspiration in their art even well before the Classic redesigns. The Ostscout has had a new redesign that was released just prior to the lawsuit, but the other Ost-mechs wouldn't get a redesign until 2021 as part of the Clan Box Set Kickstarter, which saw new, redesigned artwork released for a significant number of old mechs to bring them up to more modern aesthetics[[/note]]) had had their redesigns revealed as part of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter campaign by Catalyst.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The initial round of lawsuits ended in an effective draw, as a judge dismissed them all ruling that there was no substantial infringement. However, as the suits were not dismissed with prejudice, Harmony gold refiled their suit against FASA. The actual outcome of that case was an out of court settlement that has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who ultimately won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made (and because no new artwork could be made, technical readout sourcebooks couldn't include updated variants as the timeline advanced and new technology was added to the game world, meaning the Unseen lagged behind with their most recent variants topping out around 3050). This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle,"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] the ''Locust'', ''Wasp'', ''Stinger'', and ''Phoenix Hawk'' are in-universe the most commonly-available 'Mechs during the Succession Wars period, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made (and because no new artwork could be made, technical readout sourcebooks couldn't include updated variants as the timeline advanced and new technology was added to the game world, meaning the Unseen lagged behind with their most recent variants topping out around 3050). This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle,"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] the ''Locust'', ''Wasp'', ''Stinger'', and ''Phoenix Hawk'' are in-universe the most commonly-available 'Mechs during the Succession Wars period, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan. The Ostscout and Ostsol were later deemed not to be Unseen, as [=FASA=] art for the two 'mechs diverged so radically from the source material that they no longer resembled Regults. However, the two were kept on the Unseen list as a precautionary measure given the art's origins.[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made (and because no new artwork could be made, technical readout sourcebooks couldn't include updated variants as the timeline advanced and new technology was added to the game world, meaning the Unseen lagged behind with their most recent variants topping out around 3050). This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle,"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] the ''Locust'', ''Wasp'', ''Stinger'', and ''Phoenix Hawk'' are in-universe the most commonly-available 'Mechs during the Succession Wars period, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made (and because no new artwork could be made, technical readout sourcebooks couldn't include updated variants as the timeline advanced and new technology was added to the game world, meaning the Unseen lagged behind with their most recent variants topping out around 3050). This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle,"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] the ''Locust'', ''Wasp'', ''Stinger'', and ''Phoenix Hawk'' are in-universe the most commonly-available 'Mechs during the Succession Wars period, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

In 2010-2011, Catalyst Game Labs tested the waters, believing that they could use the designs again, but backed off on the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' 'Mechs after the legal team at Topps advised them against it. The other 'Mechs for a brief time were allowed a return to artwork, but after concerns about making miniatures gave Topps jitters, Catalyst was advised to not use that art either. There was also a redesigning the 'Mechs in 2003 (in ''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix''), which created new artwork for all the Unseen mechs that were also new variants of the mechs- the originals were, according to WordOfGod, still in existence in their unaltered states but the Project Phoenix versions meant that they could use a ''Marauder'' or ''Griffin'' of some kind in official artwork.

In 2010-2011, Catalyst Game Labs tested the waters, believing that they could use the designs again, but backed off on the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' 'Mechs after the legal team at Topps advised them against it. The other 'Mechs for a brief time were allowed a return to artwork, but after concerns about making miniatures gave Topps jitters, Catalyst was advised to not use that art either. There was also an abortive attempt at redesigning the 'Mechs in 2003 (in ''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix''), but the redesigns were so badly received that later works ignored them.

We were at this post-1996 status quo until late July, 2015, [[TakeAThirdOption when Catalyst finally decided to cut the Gordian knot altogether and redesign the Unseen so that they strongly resemble the originals but are legally distinct enough to be able to use without risking Harmony Gold suing them into oblivion]]. Much happy-dancing and reforming of the post-Unseen BrokenBase was to be had in fandom circles. It also resulted in one of the very few out-and-out {{retcon}}s actually acknowledged as such by the developers, as these new designs now completely replace the unusable designs in-universe.

The ''VideoGame/MechWarrior Online'' and ''VideoGame/BattleTech'' video games have since inserted partially redesigned versions of 'Unseen' designs in their 2018/2019 expansion packs, including the ''Phoenix Hawk, Rifleman, Archer, Warhammer,'' and ''Marauder'', five of the most popular and distinctive designs affected by the legal troubles. This seems to suggest that Harebrained Schemes, [=PGI=], and Catalyst are no longer concerned by Harmony Gold's interference in the matter, to the point that Harebrained Schemes openly and proudly announced that all ''[=BattleTech=]'' players would receive the ''Warhammer'' and ''Marauder'' update in the game for free to celebrate the release of their last major DLC package. Concurrently, by the spring of 2020, nearly all of the original 11 Unseen (except for the Scorpion and Goliath [[note]]Technically, the "Ost"-series (The Ostscout, Ostroc, Ostsol and Ostwar) are half-in, half-out of the Unseen category, as they were all inspired originally by variants of the Zentradi Regult battlepod, but subsequent iterations in the late '80s and through the '90s had left precious little of the original inspiration in their art even well before the Classic redesigns. The Ostscout has had a new redesign that was released just prior to the lawsuit, but the other Ost-mechs are still pending redesign[[/note]]) had had their redesigns revealed as part of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter campaign by Catalyst.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle,"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] the ''Locust'', ''Wasp'', ''Stinger'', and ''Phoenix Hawk'' are in-universe the most commonly-available 'Mechs during the Succession Wars period, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, the ''Griffin'', ''Shadow Hawk'', and ''Wolverine'' are "the 55-ton triangle"[[note]]three 'Mechs, all clocking in at 55 tons, all very capable in broad range, making them solid and reliable choices to bring to a fight[[/note]] and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt, Wolverine[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the ''Marauder'', ''Warhammer'', ''Archer'' and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the ''Warhammer'', ''Marauder'', and ''[=BattleMaster=]'' even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out ''Warhammer'' being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, her rival The Bounty Hunter cruising in a ''Marauder'', and Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting ''[=BattleMasters=]''.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues as the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This, of course, was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the Marauder, Warhammer, Archer and Battlemaster in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the Warhammer and [=BattleMaster=] even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out Warhammer being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting [=BattleMasters=].

In 1996, FASA ran into a licensing problem that has since become famous. When the game was first created in 1984, eight of the core mecha were based on designs from such anime as ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' and ''Anime/FangOfTheSunDougram'' (yes, the Marauder ''does'' resemble a Zentradi Officer's Battlepod). The ''Macross'' designs were legitimately purchased and were being used legally. However, other rights to the actual shows and that IP in the United States had been transferred to Harmony Gold, a Los Angeles-based real estate and TV firm, to be used to create the first third of the TV series ''Anime/{{Robotech}}''. The situation seemed to be one of "live and let live" until the mid '90s, when FASA contracted with Tyco Toys for a line of action figures, and also began to produce a cartoon series. Around the same time, Harmony Gold sublicensed its share of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' to Creator/PlaymatesToys as a tie-in to the ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'' line. Playmates also created a toy for the line that bore a stunning similarity to a [=MadCat=] 'Mech, whereupon FASA naturally sued, the Mad Cat being something like [[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons the Beholder]] of ''[=BattleTech=]'' - an emblematic part of the IP that the FASA crew used heavily in promotion and intended to defend vigorously.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues because the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[/note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This, of course, was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the Marauder, Warhammer, Archer and Battlemaster in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the Warhammer and [=BattleMaster=] even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out Warhammer being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting [=BattleMasters=].

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline[[note]]FASA seems to have realized there were potential legal issues because the animated series changes a few Mechs that certain canon characters were piloting.[[note]] The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This, of course, was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the Marauder, Warhammer, Archer and Battlemaster in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the Warhammer and [=BattleMaster=] even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out Warhammer being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting [=BattleMasters=].

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline. The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This, of course, was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the Marauder, Warhammer, Archer and Battlemaster in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the Warhammer and [=BattleMaster=] even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction: a tricked-out Warhammer being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride, Hanse Davion and the Red Corsair piloting [=BattleMasters=].

The ''VideoGame/MechWarrior Online'' and ''VideoGame/BattleTech'' video games have since inserted partially redesigned versions of 'Unseen' designs in their 2018/2019 expansion packs, including the ''Phoenix Hawk, Rifleman, Archer, Warhammer,'' and ''Marauder'', five of the most popular and distinctive designs affected by the legal troubles. This seems to suggest that Harebrained Schemes, [=PGI=], and Catalyst are no longer concerned by Harmony Gold's interference in the matter, to the point that Harebrained Schemes openly and proudly announced that all ''[=BattleTech=]'' players would receive the ''Warhammer'' and ''Marauder'' update in the game for free to celebrate the release of their last major DLC package. Concurrently, by the spring of 2020, nearly all of the original 11 Unseen (except for the Scorpion) had had their redesigns revealed as part of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter campaign by Catalyst.

Harmony Gold promptly countersued, citing the use of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'' mecha in their game, and suspecting that FASA was going to use the designs in their upcoming cartoon and toyline. The actual outcome of the case has been sealed, so no one who was not actually involved in the case really knows who won and who lost. However, FASA was sufficiently shaken by the experience to unilaterally stop using not only the ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' mechs[[note]]Wasp, Stinger, Phoenix Hawk, Crusader = various iterations of the VF-1 Valkyrie; Ostscout, Ostsol = Regult Tactical Pod; Marauder = Glaug Officer's Pod; Rifleman = Defender; Warhammer = Tomahawk, Longbow = Spartan[[/note]] but the ''Dougram''[[note]]Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Battlemaster, Goliath, Scorpion, Thunderbolt[[/note]] and ''LightNovel/CrusherJoe'' [[note]]Locust, as well as the Galleon tank and Samurai Aerospace fighter. The Leopard-class Dropship is also obviously derived from a CJ design, but was altered enough to escape the ban[[/note]] derived mechs as well, ''and'' any other design not created by FASA themselves. This ended in the odd situation of having to ban the designs created for FASA by Studio Nue (who had created ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'') so that ''[=BattleTech=]'' could be exported to Japan while not stepping on any toes. These 'Mech designs became known as the ''Unseen''. The stats were (and still are) valid and legal for game purposes, but the ban did not allow any artwork or new miniatures to be made. This, of course, was especially devastating because the list of 'Mechs was more or less a who's-who of the most popular 'Mechs in the entire game - the Marauder, Warhammer, Archer and Battlemaster in particular were some of the most beloved 'Mechs of all time among the fans, and the Warhammer even had something of a special place in ''[=BattleTech=]'' fiction (a tricked-out Warhammer being Natasha Kerensky's personal ride).

Also in a unrelated bit when the game was first released in 1984 it was known as "''[=BattleDroids=]''" but since Lucas owns the word Droid [[DisneyOwnsThisTrope it got into legal trouble over that name]] so in its next edition it was known as ''[=BattleTech=]'' and has been that since. Depending on who you talk to, this was done either because Creator/{{Lucasfilm}} sent a cease and desist letter over the use of the word "droid", or FASA decided to change the name on their own initiative in the hopes of getting on Lucas' good side while trying (and ultimately failing) to get a license to do a ''Franchise/StarWars'' roleplaying game.

The ''VideoGame/MechWarrior Online'' and ''VideoGame/BattleTech'' video games have since inserted partially redesigned versions of 'Unseen' designs in their 2018/2019 expansion packs, including the ''Phoenix Hawk, Rifleman, Archer, Warhammer,'' and ''Marauder'', five of the most popular and distinctive designs affected by the legal troubles. This seems to suggest that Harebrained Schemes, [=PGI=], and Catalyst are no longer concerned by Harmony Gold's interference in the matter, to the point that Harebrained Schemes openly and proudly announced that all ''[=BattleTech=]'' players would receive the ''Warhammer'' and ''Marauder'' update in the game for free to celebrate the release of their last major DLC package.