CD Projekt has refused to give in to the demand of Andrzej Sapkowski, author of The Witcher series, for additional royalties amounting to PLN60 million, or $16.1 million. Sapkowski"s lawyer sent a letter to the developer on his behalf asking for an extra payment from CD Projekt for distributing game expansions based on the series.
While the developer explained that it had already settled all liabilities it owed to the author for the rights to the video game, Sapkowski"s camp argued that the original contract for the video game applied only to the "first in a series of games, and therefore distribution of all other games, including their expansions, add-ons etc., is, simply speaking, unlawful".
In response to the demand, CD Projekt retorted that it legitimately obtained the right to the book series. The developer stated:
In the Company’s opinion, the demands expressed in the notice are groundless with regard to their merit as well as the stipulated amount. The Company had legitimately and legally acquired copyright to Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski’s work, i.a, insofar as is required for its use in games developed by the Company. All liabilities payable by the Company in association therewith have been properly discharged.
Although it refused Sapkowski’s demand, the studio said that it is open to an amicable resolution which, it reiterates, must not violate previous agreements and existing contracts.