Ohayocon, Ohio’s longest-running anime conference, has filed a lawsuit in opposition to Sekaicon and several other people tied to the rival occasion, alleging commerce secret misappropriation, digital sabotage, and a focused misinformation marketing campaign.
In response to the grievance, Sekaicon gained unauthorized entry to Ohayocon’s digital infrastructure, deleted years of crucial occasion planning knowledge, and repurposed Ohayocon’s official Discord server—rebranded as “NOhayocon”—to unfold damaging falsehoods. Social media accounts have been additionally allegedly used to encourage a boycott of the conference.
The lawsuit particulars the deletion of significant information from Ohayocon’s Google Drive in October 2023, erasing workers rosters, vendor contacts, visitor contracts, lodge preparations, and inner paperwork compiled over 15 years. These lacking information disrupted operations for Ohayocon 2024, which noticed attendance drop from 18,000 to beneath 4,000.
Ohayocon additionally accuses Sekaicon of spreading false allegations of union busting, abuse, and unethical practices—claims the lawsuit says led to harassment and doxing of workers members.
A brief restraining order, now prolonged via March 28, 2025, prohibits Sekaicon’s use of Ohayocon’s mental property and calls for the return of all stolen belongings.
Regardless of the turmoil, Ohayocon stays dedicated to its future. “Our focus stays on delivering an unforgettable expertise for our attendees and guaranteeing the integrity of our occasion,” stated Tim Hook of Ohayocon’s management workforce.
As authorized proceedings proceed, Ohayocon urges the anime neighborhood to remain knowledgeable and present assist throughout this difficult time.
Supply: Ohayocon
