The Video Game History Foundation has successfully defended its preservation work against an aggressive copyright troll targeting Cookie's Bustle, a rare 1999 Japanese computer game. After receiving multiple DMCA takedown notices from an individual claiming to be Brandon White operating under the corporate name Graceware, SL, the foundation investigated the legitimacy of these claims and found no evidence of actual ownership.

Cookie's Bustle, published by RODIK, Inc. in 1999, has become a cult favorite for its bizarre premise involving a 5-year-old New Jersey girl competing in an international sports competition that devolves into civil war and intergalactic intrigue. The game has been out of print for nearly three decades, making it likely an "orphan work" where the copyright owner is unknown or cannot be located. Despite this, Graceware sent takedown notices for Let's Play videos, fanart, and even Discord discussions about the game.

After presenting their findings to Ukie, the trade association handling Graceware's notices, the foundation reports that takedowns have been suspended. The foundation has published its full investigation to help other creators defend against similar rights-squatting campaigns and preserve gaming history.