Ohayocon, Ohio’s longest-running anime convention, has filed a lawsuit against Sekaicon and several individuals tied to the rival event, alleging trade secret misappropriation, digital sabotage, and a targeted misinformation campaign.
According to the complaint, Sekaicon gained unauthorized access to Ohayocon’s digital infrastructure, deleted years of critical event planning data, and repurposed Ohayocon’s official Discord server—rebranded as “NOhayocon”—to spread damaging falsehoods. Social media accounts were also allegedly used to encourage a boycott of the convention.
The lawsuit details the deletion of vital files from Ohayocon’s Google Drive in October 2023, erasing staff rosters, vendor contacts, guest contracts, hotel arrangements, and internal documents compiled over 15 years. These missing records disrupted operations for Ohayocon 2024, which saw attendance drop from 18,000 to under 4,000.
Ohayocon also accuses Sekaicon of spreading false allegations of union busting, abuse, and unethical practices—claims the lawsuit says led to harassment and doxing of staff members.
A temporary restraining order, now extended through March 28, 2025, prohibits Sekaicon’s use of Ohayocon’s intellectual property and demands the return of all stolen assets.
Despite the turmoil, Ohayocon remains committed to its future. “Our focus remains on delivering an unforgettable experience for our attendees and ensuring the integrity of our event,” said Tim Hook of Ohayocon’s leadership team.
As legal proceedings continue, Ohayocon urges the anime community to stay informed and show support during this challenging time.
Source: Ohayocon
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