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Kirby's namesake passes away
Rest in peace, Mr. Kirby
We're sad to report that John Kirby, the namesake of Kirby, has passed away at the age of 79. Mr. Kirby passed away due to complications of Myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer.
Mr. Kirby acted as an attorney for Nintendo in their court case over Donkey Kong against Universal. Universal felt Donkey Kong was a rip-off of King Kong, but Kirby successfully argued that King Kong was public domain, meaning Universal had no claim. Nintendo ended up winning the lawsuit, and as a thank-you to Mr. Kirby's hard work, they decided to name one of their upcoming characters after him.
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