Judge dismisses Noriega lawsuit over 'Call of Duty'

A California judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega over the use of his likeness in the video game Call of Duty.

Noriega filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against video game publisher Activision last summer over his appearance in the 2012 video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II.

"This ruling is an important victory and we thank the court for protecting free speech," said Rudy Giuliani, who served as co-counsel defending Activision. "This was an absurd lawsuit from the very beginning and we're gratified that in the end, a notorious criminal didn't win."

In Black Ops II, Noriega assists the game's lead characters in the search for key villain Raul Menendez. Noriega claimed the game portrayed him as a kidnapper and murderer. Activision argued the game delves into historical fiction, and that a ruling in favor of Noriega would threaten other forms of fictional entertainment that features historical figures.

"Today's ruling is a victory for the 40 million dedicated members of our Call of Duty community and global audiences who enjoy historical fiction across all works of art," said Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick in a statement.

The ruling arrives as Activision prepares for the launch of the franchise's next chapter -- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare -- next month.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.