The creators of the \u00a0irreverent card game\u00a0 *Cards Against Humanity* have recently concluded an out-of-court settlement with \u00a0SpaceX\u00a0, putting an end to a legal dispute funded by the game\u2019s fans. While the company originally announced they would distribute $15 million in funds from the trial if victorious, there will be no trial after all, and thus no money to share.<\/p>\n
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The saga began in \u00a02017\u00a0 when *Cards Against Humanity* raised an impressive \u00a0$2.25 million\u00a0 from its loyal fans. The goal was to legally acquire land in \u00a0Cameron County, Texas\u00a0, aiming to block the controversial construction of the wall proposed by former President Donald Trump on the U.S.-Mexico border. This unique approach was facilitated by a creative marketing campaign, involving \u00a0150,000 donations\u00a0 of \u00a0$15 each\u00a0. However, complications arose when SpaceX, which operates the \u00a0Starbase launch complex\u00a0 nearby, began using the newly-acquired land for storage.<\/p>\n
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<img alt=\"Starlink stopped competing with satellite Internet companies a long time ago: now it is going for something much bigger\" width=\"375\" height=\"142\" src=\"https:\/\/i.blogs.es\/576357\/starlink\/375_142.png\"\/>\n\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nElon Musk Against the Card Game<\/h2>\n
<pBy 2024<\/strong>, the creators of Cards Against Humanity<\/em> began to feel the effects of SpaceX’s unauthorized<\/strong> use of their property. They accused the aerospace giant of illegally occupying their land for more than six months, which prompted them to launch a new marketing initiative targeting Elon Musk<\/strong> personally. This campaign included a lawsuit against SpaceX for placing construction materials, gravel, and debris on their property without consent.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In their campaign against Musk, whom they scornfully labeled as “a billionaire even richer and more racist than Trump,” the creators promised \u00a0$100\u00a0 for each crowdfunding participant should they win the lawsuit, which meant seeking \u00a0$15 million\u00a0 in damages from SpaceX.<\/p>\n
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A Bittersweet Ending<\/h2>\n
Ultimately, *Cards Against Humanity* informed its fans that the anticipated trial would not take place. Instead, they reached an out-of-court settlement with SpaceX, though the financial details of this agreement remain undisclosed. The creators of the card game comically described the settlement as Musk having “done the legal equivalent of throwing dust in our eyes and kicking us in the balls.”<\/p>\n
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But why accept this settlement? The creators explained that pursuing a trial “would have cost more than we probably would have earned from SpaceX.” They noted that under \u00a0Texas law\u00a0, recovering legal costs is notoriously difficult. While they believed they held the moral high ground, they also recognized that Musk and SpaceX could easily outspend them in a courtroom battle.<\/p>\n
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Compensation for Fans<\/h2>\n
What about the avid supporters who helped buy the land? In a twist characteristic of the game itself, the \u00a0150,000 donors\u00a0 will not receive cash but a unique form of compensation: \u00a0comedy\u00a0. The company has decided to send each contributor “a new, exclusive mini-pack of cards about Elon Musk,” which they hope to distribute by early \u00a02026\u00a0. In their message to fans, they humorously stated: “Since we can’t give you what you really wanted\u2014cash from Elon Musk\u2014we’re going to make it up to you…with comedy!” As for the land itself, it remains empty once again.<\/p>\n
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Final Thoughts on the Legal Dispute<\/h2>\n
This unusual clash between a card game and a multi-billion dollar aerospace company serves as a reminder of how creative marketing can converge with legal battles. It stands out as a fascinating case study in modern capitalism, social commentary, and the \u00a0power of community\u00a0 support. While the fans didn\u2019t receive the cash windfall they hoped for, they will instead enjoy a new set of cards poking fun at one of the most influential figures in technology today.<\/p>\n
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Images sourced from the Ministry of Communications of Brazil and Mercado Libre.<\/p>\n
For more insights into revolutionary designs in rocket technology, refer to Xataka\u2019s features on notable engineers like \u00a0Tom Mueller\u00a0, known for his work on Falcon 9 engines.<\/p>\n