A California judge has just upped the stakes in the trade secrets and IP battle between Activision and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ creators Genius Products and Numark Industries: he granted the smaller companies a restraining order against Activision and its subsidiary 7 Studios. The ruling forces Activision (NSDQ: ATVI) to return all assets pertaining to the upcoming Scratch DJ game, and prohibits 7 Studios from further discussing any details about the game with its parent company.

SEE ALSO: Scratch DJ Sues Activision: Is DJ Hero In Jeopardy?

Last week Genius and Numark filed a lawsuit charging Activision, 7 Studios and its CEO Lewis Peterson with breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets, among other claims; Activision quickly responded with a public statement saying that the claims lacked merit—and that the lawsuit would have “no impact” on the release of its own game, DJ Hero. We’re waiting for comment from Activision, but in a statement, Genius and Newmark (referred to as Scratch DJ Game LLC) said they plan to “aggressively pursue” the lawsuit (including seeking damages). Release.

Photo Credit: Ars Technica