Sonic the Hedgehog chases Mario in IP business, 35 years since debut

Sega Sammy triples intellectual property revenue thanks to Sonic movies

The fast-paced gameplay of the Sonic the Hedgehog games captured the imagination of legions of fans. © Sega

TOKYO -- As Sega Sammy Holdings celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, the Japanese group seeks to challenge the dominance of Nintendo's Mario character in the gaming industry through the lucrative intellectual property business.