Author Sues Ubisoft Over Assassin's Creed IP [Updated]

Update: Ubisoft response added.

American sci-fi Author John L. Beiswenger is suing Ubisoft over similarities he alleges exist between the Assassin's Creed franchise and one of his books, according to a report on gi.biz this morning.

The book, called Link, is also based around the idea that ancestral memories can be accessed and relived, thanks to modern scientific magic. It allegedly shares several other similarities to Ubisoft's massively successful franchise, including (from the legal filing) "spiritual and biblical tones, with references made to Jesus and God, the Garden of Eden, and forbidden fruit."

Beiswenger is seeking damages for each game in the series released since the first game in 2007 and, in addition to millions of dollars in damages for those titles, he's trying to block the release of Assassin's Creed III and all related products.

We requested comment on Beiswenger's allegations from Ubisoft, and they responded: "Ubisoft does not comment on ongoing litigation."

We'll keep you appraised of this ongoing story as additional updates come to hand.