As many are aware, Nintendo is fiercely protective of its copyrights and trademarks, and is notorious for filing cease-and-desist orders to many fan projects related to its IPs.

Recently, Nintendo has come under fire for filing a cease-and-desist to the Etsy store of CptnAlex, which was selling various Joy-Con related products. Among the products targeted was a custom set of Joy-cons designed as a tribute to Etika, a popular streamer who passed away last year. According to Nintendo’s lawyers, the “JoyCon Boyz” logo that was printed on them was breaching Nintendo’s copyright over the term “Joy-con”.

Although it was only one among many of CptnAlex’s products that was taken down, many were outraged over Nintendo’s decision to file a cease-and-desist over the “Etikons”, not only because Etika’s past support of the company, but also because proceeds from the Etikons were being donated to the JED Foundation, an organisation dedicated to suicide prevention and supporting the mental health of teens and young adults.

However, other observers were more supportive of Nintendo’s decision, pointing out that Nintendo’s past behavior should have made it obvious to CptnAlex that this would happen, and he could have been more careful in his design of the tribute to avoid attracting their attention. CptnAlex himself also mentioned the possibility of the Etikons returning with an alternate design that does not mention “Joycons” but it remains to be seen whether this will actually come to pass.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.