EA Sports lawsuit dismissed by judge

EA Sports has won a court victory after a lawsuit was filed against the company by ex-Rutgers University quarterback Ryan Hart.

Hart accused the studio of using his likeness in NCAA Football without his permission, and took legal action against them.

US district court judge Freda Wolfson ruled in favour of Electronic Arts, stating that the firm was within its First Amendment rights of free expression, as Hart's likeness was based on physical appearance and stats, rather than his name, Reuters reports.

EA's lawyer Elizabeth McNamara issued a statement saying that EA is pleased with the ruling, which "validates Electronic Arts' rights to create and publish its expressive works".

The outcome contradicts a precedent set by a previous case in which a a California judge backed ex-Arizona State University/University of Nebraska quarterback Samuel Keller's lawsuit against EA. The studio is in the process of appealing against this decision.

Arizona and Cleveland players also have a similar suit against EA pending.

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