ESA v. Granholm
426 F Supp 2d 646 (E.D. Mich. 2006)

Summary:  This case was a challenge to a Michigan ban on the sale of video games with video content to minors.

Documents:

1. Michigan Senate Bill 416
2. Plaintiffs' complaint
3. U.S. District Court Judge Steeh's order granting plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction
4. U.S. District Court Judge Steeh's order granting permanent injunction.

History:

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), and the Michigan Retailers Association filed a challenge on September 21, 2005, in U.S. District Court in Detroit, and then sought a preliminary injunction of Michigan Senate Bill 416, a bill limiting the sale and rental of computer and video games with violent content.  U.S. District Court Judge Steeh issued an order granting preliminary injunction on November 9, 2005.    In January of 2006, the ESA and Michigan made cross-motions for summary judgment.

On March 31, 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Steeh issued an order granting permanent injunction barring enforcement of the Michigan law.  As of May 1, 2006 the period of time for the state to appeal the U.S. District Court's decision had passed.  The decision barring enforcement of this law, a ban on the sale to minors of video games with violent content, will stand.  Judge Steeh issued an order granting attorney fees for plaintiffs on November 30, 2006.

Plaintiffs include the Entertainment Software Association, the Video Software Dealers Association, and the Michigan Retailers Association.

This page was last updated December 1, 2006.