Call the Consigliere: Digital Chocolate Sues Zynga Over Mafia Wars Name

One of the hits that has propelled Zynga to the top of the social-gaming heap is Mafia Wars, which gives users the chance to participate in the warm embrace of an extended crime family. But before there was Mafia Wars, there was, well, Mafia Wars, a similar game made by Digital Chocolate. Now DC is suing Zynga, alleging trademark infringement. Zynga–which in 2009 paid several million dollars to settle a lawsuit with David Maestri, creator of the game Mob Wars–pronounced itself “surprised and disappointed” at the suit and said it planned a vigorous defense.