In May 2020, Ubisoft filed a lawsuit against both Apple and Google over a mobile game called Area F2. Ubisoft claimed the game was a “near carbon copy” of Rainbow Six Siege, one of the most popular tactical shooters in the world. The case raised important questions about how app stores handle copyright infringement and clone apps.
What Was Area F2?
Area F2 was developed by Ejoy, a Chinese studio acquired by Alibaba in 2017. The game was a mobile-first tactical shooter with operator-based gameplay, destructible environments, and round-based attack-and-defend mechanics. Ubisoft argued that Area F2 copied Rainbow Six Siege’s operator selection screen, scoring system, map design, and core gameplay loop almost exactly.
Bloomberg first reported on the lawsuit in May 2020. At the time, Rainbow Six Siege had 55 million registered players and 3 million daily active users. Ubisoft called the game one of its “most valuable intellectual properties” and accused Ejoy of trying to “piggyback on R6S’s popularity.”
Why Did Ubisoft Sue Apple and Google?
Ubisoft did not just sue Ejoy. The publisher also named Apple and Google as defendants for hosting Area F2 on the App Store and Google Play Store. According to the complaint, Ubisoft notified both companies about the infringement but neither store removed the game. This made Apple and Google parties to the alleged copyright violation by continuing to distribute the clone.
The lawsuit highlighted a growing tension between app store operators and content creators. Unlike platforms such as YouTube, which have DMCA takedown procedures for user-submitted content, app stores have historically been slow to act on clone apps. This case became a landmark example of publishers pushing back against mobile game clones.
What Happened After the Lawsuit?
Area F2 was removed from both app stores shortly after the lawsuit gained media attention. Google and Apple did not issue public statements about the removal, but the game quietly disappeared from search results and download pages. The case was eventually settled out of court, with terms remaining confidential.
The lawsuit had a lasting impact on how app stores handle clone apps. Both Apple and Google have since introduced more rigorous review processes for games that closely resemble existing titles. Developers now face stricter scrutiny when submitting games with similar mechanics, UI layouts, or visual styles to popular titles.
Why This Matters for Gamers
Clone games are common on mobile app stores. Some are harmless tributes, but others deliberately copy protected intellectual property to trick players into downloading inferior products. The Ubisoft case set a precedent that publishers can hold app stores accountable for hosting clone apps, not just the developers who create them.
For Rainbow Six Siege fans, this case was a reminder of how valuable the franchise is to Ubisoft. If you are looking for alternatives on mobile, Valorant offers a similar tactical shooter experience with unique agent abilities. Siege remains one of the most popular competitive shooters on PC and console.
Key Takeaways
- Ubisoft sued Apple and Google in May 2020 for hosting Area F2, a Rainbow Six Siege clone.
- Area F2 was removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store after the lawsuit.
- The case was settled out of court and set a precedent for app store accountability in clone cases.
- Apple and Google tightened their review processes for games that resemble existing titles.
- Mobile gamers should be cautious of clone apps that mimic popular games to trick downloads.
If you are interested in more gaming and tech stories, check out our guide on how to surrender in Valorant, the best gaming PC build under 40,000, and our overview of the best Valorant agents to play in the current meta.
