Richard Garriott’s Lawsuit Win vs. NCsoft Increases to $32 Million

In July of 2010, we learned that Richard Garriott had won his case against NCsoft and was awarded the $28 million he lost due to the forced sale of his stock options. However, GamesIndustry.biz is now reporting that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has increased that amount to $32 million in order to account for “interest and attorney fees”.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the judgement that Korean publisher NCsoft should pay Ultima creator Richard Garriott $32 million for breach of contract.

The amount includes $28 million awarded by the jury in July 2010, as well as interest and attorney fees. It was the largest verdict of its kind in Texas that year.

…

“NCsoft schemed to avoid its obligations to Richard at the trial court and on appeal, and neither the jury nor the 5th Circuit bought any of it,” said Stephen E. Fox, an attorney at Fish & Richardson and Garriott’s lead counsel.

“Contracts have consequences, and as the Court of Appeals explained, the trial court is not a trial run. This has been a long fight and we are very pleased with the Court’s decision.”

Coupled with the sale of Britannia Manor II, Richard just might have enough cash on hand to convince EA to give up the Ultima IP. Hint, hint.