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Watch Dogs trademark ditch was fraudulent request, Ubisoft says
Ubisoft is currently working to fix a false request to abandon its trademark for upcoming sandbox hack-a-thon Watch Dogs. Yesterday it came to light that Ubisoft had apparently abandoned the Watch Dogs trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, leading to speculation of the internet kind. IGN reports that that the trademark office informed Ubisoft that it had received the request to abandon the trademark from the company's CEO Yves Guillemot. It turns out that Mr. Guillemot never made such a request. Nor did any of his underlings. Or his underlings' underlings. The intern in the mail room has not been ruled out. Ubisoft tells Joystiq, "We are working directly with the USPTO on reinstating the trademark for Watch Dogs and it will be active again in the coming days. The matter has no impact on the Watch Dogs' development." Update: Headline revised for clarity. [Image: Ubisoft]
Apple bombarded with candy-themed games in protest at the word 'candy' being trademarked
Such sweet, sweet revenge. After the maker of the hugely popular Candy Crush series of games on the App Store somehow managed to trademark the word "candy" in Europe, other developers have started to fight back by blitzing Apple with an insulin-inducing array of Candy-themed game submissions. More than 100 hastily prepared titles have already been put forward as part of an organized "Candy Jam" protest against the trademarking of common words, including such gobstoppers such as CAN D, ThisGameIsNotAboutCandy, CanDieCanDieCanDie and the inimitable Candy_Game ("Press to hear Candy.") In the meantime, the developer at the center of the controversy, King.com, continues to pursue legal action against those who use any of words in its arsenal of trademarks, even those that have nothing to do with sugar. This apparently includes one poor dev who had the cheek to use the word "saga" in a Norse mythology-themed game called The Banner Saga -- a title that treads too closely to Candy Crush Saga, according to legal documents filed by King. What's more, now that King has also filed for new trademarks in the US, this whole saga (eek) could be about to get even sicklier.
Candy Crush dev King pulls Pac-Avoid following copycat accusation
King has pulled Pac-Avoid, the game indie developer Stolen Goose recently accused the Candy Crush Saga developer of cloning. Stolen Goose alleged that Epic Shadow-developed Pac-Avoid was a direct clone of its own 2009 game, Scamperghost, which the developer pitched to King before backing out of the deal to bring the game to rival online game portal Max Games. "The details of the situation are complex, but the bottom line is that we should never have published Pac-Avoid," King CEO and Co-Founder Riccardo Zacconi wrote on the company's website. "We have taken the game down from our site, and we apologise for having published it in the first place." Zacconi added that this "unfortunate situation is an exception to the rule," stressing that the developer "does not clone games, and we do not want anyone cloning our games." He noted that King performs "a thorough search" of existing games and reviews trademark filings to avoid infringement. Former Epic Shadow developer Matt Porter responded to King's retraction of the game, calling King's claimed thorough search of games in the marketplace "an obvious lie." "Our only additional term to the deal, was that the Epic Shadow branding not be placed in the game, as we found the entire project to be sketchy and we wanted nothing to do with it post-release," Porter wrote. This is the latest in King's controversial saga, in which it trademarked the word "candy" in order to deny mobile clones of Candy Crush Saga. King also set its sights on The Banner Saga developer Stoic Studio, opposing its application for "Banner Saga." Zacconi said King will not enforce the use of its trademarked word "saga" on Stoic Studios, but opposed the application to "preserve our own ability to protect our own games."
Level-5 registers US trademark for 3DS game 'Yo-kai Watch'
Youkai Watch, Level-5's tale of a magical watch that lets its user see spiritual beings, released in Japan last July for the 3DS. Localizing software isn't exactly free though, so we've resigned to just imagining what it's ... wait, Level-5 recently filed a trademark for "Yo-kai Watch" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office? Huh. You can't print out and play trademarks in the 3DS' cartridge slot though, so take this as a potential hint instead of an outright confirmation of a planned Western release. This isn't the only hint that we've seen recently for localized Level-5 projects - soccer RPG Inazuma Eleven popped up (and has since disappeared) on Nintendo's release calendar for the 3DS earlier this month. The weapons shopkeep simulator Rental Bukiya de Omasse also received a content rating from the Australian Classification Board. Hopefully the next Nintendo Direct brings a slew of Level-5 announcements, similar to the October reveal of plans to localize the Guild 01 series. You can check out the trademark for yourself by searching for "Yo-kai Watch" with the USPTO's Basic Word Mark Search.
Banner Saga dev will make another 'saga' game despite King's trademark
Candy Crush Saga developer King says it isn't trying to strip Stoic Studio's The Banner Saga of its name – but a legal opposition to the word "Saga" remains in action, Stoic says. In a statement on its website, Stoic says it's making another game in the Banner Saga universe, regardless of King's trademark attempts: "We won't make a viking saga without the word Saga, and we don't appreciate anyone telling us we can't. King.com claims they're not attempting to prevent us from using The Banner Saga, and yet their legal opposition to our trademark filing remains. We're humbled by the outpouring of support and honored to have others stand with us for the right to their own Saga. We just want to make great games." In December, King claimed The Banner Saga was "confusingly and deceptively similar to [King's] previously used Saga marks," but just yesterday said it wouldn't take action against Stoic. "King has not and is not trying to stop Banner Saga from using its name. We do not have any concerns that Banner Saga is trying to build on our brand or our content," King said. King has also filed to trademark the word "candy," and that one has been approved for publication in the US, giving the public 30 days to file opposition against the mark before it becomes law. King said it already trademarked "candy" in the EU because its IP "is constantly being infringed," but it won't enforce the mark against all uses of the word. "Some are legitimate and of course, we would not ask App developers who use the term legitimately to stop doing so," King said.
The Candy Jam invites devs to make games using the industry's litigious vocabulary
In response to news that Candy Crush Saga developer King has trademarked the word "candy," and has begun enforcing it in a way reminiscent of patent trolling, indie devs Cariboo and UUAV have established The Candy Jam. The Candy Jam invites developers to make games involving the litigious world of sweets, throwing "bonus points" behind teams that make liberal use of other common words dredged up in recent outrageous trademark fillings, such as "scroll," "saga," "edge," and more. The game jam is open to developers from today through February 3. Why hold a gamejam revolving around the current candy saga? "Because trademarking common words is ridiculous and because it gives us an occasion to make another gamejam," the event's website proclaims.
Candy Crush dev: we won't enforce against all uses of 'candy' trademark
Candy Crush Saga developer King said it will not enforce against all uses of the trademark "candy." This follows news that the broad trademark was approved for publication in the United States, granting the public 30 days to file opposition against the trademark once published before King receives a certificate of registration for the mark from the USPTO. "We have trademarked the word 'CANDY' in the EU, as our IP is constantly being infringed and we have to enforce our rights and to protect our players from confusion," King told Gamezebo. "We don't enforce against all uses of CANDY – some are legitimate and of course, we would not ask App developers who use the term legitimately to stop doing so." The developer first applied to register the trademark with the USPTO in February 2013 and was granted approval for publication by the examining attorney last week. King also applied to trademark the term "saga" in regards to online and multiplayer video games with the USPTO in late 2011, though that application is currently suspended.
Candy Crush dev's 'candy' trademark approved for publication
The US Patent and Trademark Office has approved the trademark "candy" for publication for King, the developer of the hit free-to-play match three game, Candy Crush Saga. King filed an application with the USPTO for the trademark in February 2013, which was updated last week to note its approval for publication by the examining attorney. If it's published without opposition, the trademark grants King the exclusive use of the term "candy" in video game and clothing products. Once published, the public (namely, developers of games and apps that use the word "candy") has 30 days to issue a statement of opposition to the trademark office before a certificate of registration is handed to King. The phenomenon isn't new, as another social games developer threw its weight around with its seemingly broad trademarked terms: Zynga sent cease-and-desist letters to developers like Blingville LLC and Kojobo for the use of its now-trademarked suffix "ville" in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Disney abandons 'Star Wars 1313' trademark
Family-friendly megacorporation Disney has allowed its trademark on Star Wars 1313 to lapse, likely driving the final nail into the coffin of the promising action game once described by developers as "Star Wars hell." Initially revealed just prior to E3 2012, Star Wars 1313 was to be a darker take on George Lucas' beloved space epic. Instead of cutesy ewoks and characters who clearly fit into either "good" or "evil" roles, Star Wars 1313 would have cast players as a bounty hunter stalking the crime-ridden alleyways of Coruscant. Little was revealed of the game before its development was suspended following Disney's purchase of LucasArts, but Star Wars 1313 was repeatedly described as "dark and mature" by its developers at LucasArts. Now, a visit to the United States Patent And Trademark Office website reveals that Disney's trademark has lapsed. "Abandoned because no Statement of Use or Extension Request timely filed after Notice of Allowance was issued," reads the trademark status section, indicating that Disney made no effort to maintain its ownership of the title. While it is possible that some of the concepts seen in those early glimpses might make their way into future Star Wars games, it seems unlikely that we'll ever see Star Wars 1313 on store shelves.
Huawei files trademark for PhoPad, but shouldn't be worried about anyone taking the name
Huawei filed a trademark for a "PhoPad" with the USPTO this week. There's no guarantee that the manufacturer will come out with such a device -- which, given the name, we'd expect to be similar in concept to the ASUS PadFone or FonePad -- but who wouldn't love to pick up their very own PhoPad at the local Best Buy someday?
Sega confirms 'Shenmue 3' trademark is fake
Are you a fan of the Shenmue series that would love to play a new installment in the series? Well, run to your room, dig out your Dreamcast (or Xbox) and replay the existing installments at an obnoxious volume, because Sega has stopped by to deliver the news that no one wants to hear. A recent trademark listing for a "Shenmue 3" was fake and not at all affiliated with Sega, the publisher told Eurogamer. The representative stated that Sega is "looking into the origins of this application," but in the mean time, the listing filed with the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market has already disappeared. As if people on the Internet enjoy the dismay of others, rumors of HD ports of the first two Shenmue games for XBLA and PSN popped up last year as well. We're starting to wonder if Shenmue fans can even react to news like this anymore, or if the years of disappointment have left them completely stoic.
Take-Two files 'Bully Bullsworth Academy' trademark in Europe [Update]
Take-Two recently filed another trademark related to Rockstar's Bully property in Europe. Titled "Bully Bullworth Academy: Canis Canem Edit," the trademark was filed just a few days ago, on November 20. The publisher filed another Bully-related trademark in July with the USPTO. Rockstar first developed Bully for PS2 in 2006, following it up with enhanced versions for Wii, PC and Xbox 360 in 2008. The latest trademark refers to the original game's New England boarding school setting, Bullworth Academy, which offers a stronger suggestion that Take-Two is doing more than just protecting the Rockstar property. Update: As a point of clarification, since Bully launched as Canis Canem Edit in Europe, the trademark may also refer to a re-release of the original game.
Report: Nintendo trademarks mysterious 'Great Detective Pikachu'
Nintendo's most lucrative electric rat may be trading in his Thunderbolt attack for a Meerschaum pipe, as the publisher has trademarked something called "Great Detective Pikachu." Normally, trademarks come and go. You're as likely to see a 'mark spawn a full-fledged game as you are to see a company sit on a term or phrase for potential future use. Great Detective Pikachu however, is a bit different as it directly ties to a recent, official video depicting a strange, talking blue Pikachu. Scant little is known of how the game will actually perform or what Pikachu might be detecting, but it has been revealed that motion capture techniques are being used to properly animate the rodent's facial expressions and speech routines. Whether that sounds adorable or intensely terrifying comes down to your opinion on overly-anthropomorphized Pokémon. Either way, we aren't likely to know how things play out until Nintendo decides to shed more light on this mystery.
Verizon 'Ellipsis' Android tablet and trademark leak out, hint at a new wireless effort
Serial product shot leaker @evleaks is showing off pics of a new tablet tonight, tagged as the Verizon Ellipsis 7, 2013. It looks like a standard 7-inch Android tablet, albeit with some overly heavy bezel action, but there's little else to go on regarding where it's from and how it may arrive. The rest of the puzzle may be filled in, however, by a trademark for "Ellipsis" and "Ellipsis 7" that FierceCable dug up just a few days ago, and imagines could cover a new service / device. Filed by Verizon Wireless, the Ellipsis application covers a "wireless telecommunications device featuring transmission of voice, data, image and video", while Ellipsis 7 includes tablet computers and other wireless devices. So now we know what the hardware is called and what it looks like, but what it does is still in question. Until we find out for sure, our speculation is informed by the news Verizon is ending its wireless partnership with cable companies, rumors that it will purchase Intel's IPTV technology and the Corvair / FiOS Companion tablet that popped up last year.
Heroes of the Storm trademark conflict
The recently renamed Heroes of the Storm, Blizzard's upcoming MOBA title, is running into a little conflict at the EU trademark offices. Myrskyn Sankarit (English translation: Heroes of the Storm) is a pen-and-paper role-playing game for children, first published in Finland in July 2013. It was originally crowd funded on indiegogo in 2012. The game's creator, Mike Pohjola, is concerned about the two games co-existing peacefully, and even suggests that Blizzard could change the game's name once more. For those not keeping track, Blizzard's game was originally known as Blizzard DOTA, then Blizzard All-Stars, and finally Heroes of the Storm. Blizzard originally trademarked Heroes of the Storm on September 24, 2013 in the United States and September 25, 2013 in Europe. Mike Pohjola applied for a Finnish trademark for his table-top game on October 4, 2013. This is all public knowledge available by searching the US and EU trademark databases. At the time of Pohjola's application, we didn't know what Heroes of the Storm was exactly. On the surface, Pohjola's application seems to be in response to that original leak. Myrskyn Sankarit may have existed earlier, but the name was never registered with any trademark office until after Blizzard registered their own. Any potential issues in Finland, where the game has already been published, is a question for someone who knows more about trademark law.
Samsung's Protection Plus trademark hints at new take on extended warranties
Samsung already has extended warranties, but you'd be forgiven if you didn't notice them -- they're not exactly well-advertised. That may soon change, as the company has quietly filed for a catchier "Samsung Protection Plus" trademark in the US. There's little to reveal what would come with Protection Plus, although the trademark mentions coverage for both electronics and appliances; this wouldn't just be for a new washing machine. We don't know if or when the service will become reality, but don't be surprised if you can soon get an advanced warranty for a Galaxy Note 3 without resorting to the carrier or an insurance firm.
Blizzard files 'Heroes of the Storm' trademark application
On September 24, Diablo creator Blizzard Entertainment filed an application to trademark the phrase "Heroes of the Storm" with the United States Patent And Trademark Office. It's unclear what Blizzard plans to use this trademark for, though the application specifies that the mark is for use in computer and console games, downloadable content, and games designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. More intriguingly, the application notes that the name could also be applied to "computer games that may be accessed via a global computer network," lending credence to the theory that "Heroes of the Storm" may refer to an upcoming expansion for Blizzard's hit MMORPG World of Warcraft. Whatever this trademark application refers to is not likely to be revealed to the public any time soon. We contacted Blizzard for clarification on its plans but were met with a boilerplate "no comment" in response.
Possible trademark filed by Blizzard for Heroes of the Storm
We've seen the (presumed) big ending to the last World of Warcraft expansion... so what's the next one? That's the source of much speculation, and it's been fueled by the fact that Blizzard has possibly filed a new trademark for Heroes of the Storm. What does this mean? Possibly nothing. It could be a hoax, it could be an unrelated property, it could be almost anything. There's certainly some possibility that it could be a new expansion to World of Warcraft, with plenty of possible meanings for what it might contain. So is it a hoax, the next expansion, or something else altogether? That's up to the individual to guess. What we can say with certainty is that if these heroes don't get to ride on the storm, the game will have missed a golden opportunity for a pop culture reference, and that's just not likely to happen.
'Final Fantasy Agito' trademark filed in Europe
Final Fantasy Agito's extensive stay in development hell is coming to an end this winter in Japan, but Square Enix recently filed a trademark for "Final Fantasy Agito" in Europe as well. The application is currently "under examination," but considering how trademarks sometimes into real things, Agito might have a chance at reaching European mobiles. You can see the trademark for yourself by searching for "Final Fantasy Agito" at the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market's website. The game's recent teaser trailer offers a glimpse at characters and battles within the universe of the Japan-exclusive Final Fantasy Type-0. Agito will be free-to-play once it finally summons itself to iOS and Android devices in Japan.
New trademarks filed by ZeniMax Media
Do you enjoy a bit of speculation during your Monday routine? If so, feel free to chew on the fact that ZeniMax Media has just filed two new trademarks for Soulburst covering both online and console games. There you go. Have fun. If that means nothing to you, you're probably not very interested in The Elder Scrolls Online, which prominently features an event known as the Soulburst four years before the game takes place. So could this trademark be the name of an expansion? Upcoming content for another game in the franchise tying into this event? A prequel game to help excite players? On these matters (and many others) the trademark applications are entirely silent. There's certainly some chance that this is just a coincidence and the trademark pertains to a completely unknown game, of course. You're welcome to speculate about that in the comments. Odds are good that it's a bit of a peek behind the veil... though a peek at what remains unclear.
