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HP files for 'Zeen' and 'Airlife' trademarks for handheld devices
Having only recently marked its return to the handheld computing space with the iPAQ Glisten, HP seems intent on forging ahead with more hardware in the coming year. The above trademark applications -- filed in September and October 2009 -- mark out some very broad categories, but we can narrow them down a little with the help of some context. Given all the industry excitement over tablet devices, the Zeen could well be the name of a forthcoming slate-shaped machine and accompanying software, while Airlife seems to be planted firmly in the smartphone arena. The moniker suggests a software ecosystem rather than actual hardware, but that would make little sense with just one handset out there; if we were the betting type (and believe us, we aren't), we'd probably expect to see more mobiles coming from the computing giant in order to take advantage. Of course, companies don't always follow through on trademark applications, but it sure seems as if HP is casting a wary eye over the burgeoning handheld market (and / or planning to not get left behind in the months ahead).
Ubisoft trademarks Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Since Ubisoft formally announced Ghost Recon 4 back in April, news on the game -- or anything Ghost Recon-related, for that matter -- has been pretty scant. If a trademark discovered by Superannuation recently is any indication of where the series is going, however, then it seems "the Ghosts" are going into the future. Just this week, Ubisoft trademarked "Ghost Recon: Future Soldier" with the usual "game software and electronic game programs" descriptor for video game trademarks. In fairness, the Ghost Recon games have always been set a bit into the future, with Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 taking place in the not-so-distant 2014. Will the French game publisher take the next step and bring the series into the somewhat-more-distant future? 2015, perhaps? We've heard that, by then, you won't need roads. Think of that! [Via Superannuation]
Patent details Xbox 360 hint system
Microsoft must like Nintendo's new Super Guide system, because a patent has recently popped up online detailing a similar system for the Xbox 360. The core difference between Microsoft's proposed system and Nintendo's comes from community input; the patent not only touches on a way for users to submit screens and brief guides for those especially tough spots in games, but also says users will be able to include brief audio commentary and add to their screens using a digital pen feature. The system also details functionality for devs and publishers, giving their insights and guides more weight than those from the community. It's ambitious, to say the least, and even though we foresee millions of potential Halo 3 teabagging tutorials, we're all for anything that helps us game better. [Via Siliconera]
ESRB rates SOE-published 2D brawler 'Revenge of the Wounded Dragons' [update]
Update: An SOE rep has confirmed to Joystiq that more details on the game will be released next Monday. Hold tight! If it weren't strange enough that Sony Online Entertainment is listed as the publisher for recently ESRB rated PlayStation 3 side-scrolling brawler Revenge of the Wounded Dragons, we find it all the stranger that a trademark filing from last September puts Wet developer A2M in the developer's seat. The game's description, aside from pinning it as a PS3 exclusive, tells us that it's a "2D fighting game" where players will "frequently punch, kick, and throw enemies as they 'side-scroll' forward through the platform city environments." We put our top men on deciphering this rating-wary, encrypted message, and they have surmised that the title will likely be some form of a Double Dragon clone. Reading further into the description, we see that the game follows "two brothers attempting to avenge their grandfather's death and rescue their sister from the local mafia boss." A 2D, sidescrolling brawler that follows the tale of two brothers out for revenge? You don't say! We contacted both A2M and Sony Online Entertainment for comment, but have yet to hear back. Source 1 - ESRB Source 2 - USPTO Congratulations to osuiscoolteam2008 on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.
Apple 'Grab & Go' sync patent application features... Engadget
Apple's applied for and gotten a ton of patents this year, and while most of them are fairly boring, we're intrigued by this recently-revealed application for a "Grab & Go" sync system -- and not just because one of the diagrams references Engadget. The idea is to simplify sync by pre-packaging sets of data into categories like family, business, and entertainment that a user could just grab, as well as make sharing files between devices like phones, computers, and even game consoles much easier. The software can adapt to fit multiple connection types and add various levels of encryption and security, including requiring devices to be in close proximity to each other in order to sync. All in all, it sounds like a solid evolutionary addition to MobileMe, and we're curious to see if any of this ever ships -- the patent application was just made public, so it could be a while.
Trademark: PopCap going off the rails on a 'Yetitrain'
PopCap, we're afraid we've got an unpleasant task for you. At your earliest convenience, we're going to need you to draft letters of apology to everyone who's come within 50 yards of us within the last 15 minutes. See, a little while ago, supererogatory turned our attention to a trademark you just filed, reserving the name Yetitrain for use in a game. Our eyes saw the word, and our brain immediately told us the correct course of action: As loudly as possible, we would need to sing Ozzy Ozbourne's "Crazy Train," and we'd need to swap in the appropriate cryptozoological word. Though we've aroused general concern from our neighbors and landlords, we can't seem to stop. This word -- Yetitrain -- is too powerful not to sing boisterously. We're sending you an email to request these apologetic correspondences, and to see if you'll tell us exactly what a Yetitrain is, and then to find out where we purchase our ticket to ride it forever.
Mighty Mouse trademark awarded to Man & Machine, Mister Trouble can stop hanging around now (updated with analysis)
Trademark registration number 3691042, you just made someone very happy. This week, the US Patent and Trademark Offices awarded Man & Machine with the rights to the name "Mighty Mouse" when it comes to computer mice / "cursor control devices." So of the two peripherals shown above, it seems the beaut on the right is the one with legal claim to the moniker. Good thing, too, since its claims on "Cool Mouse" and "Really Cool [Mouse]" died just before Christmas last year. We gotta say, it looks as good of a time as any to replace the old point-and-click, eh Apple? Update: Nilay here, with some trademark law nerdery for you. This trademark has a long and convoluted history, as you'd expect. CBS and Man & Machine actually both filed for the Mighty Mouse mark as it relates to computer mice in 2007 -- and CBS actually filed for it first, in May. Here's the kicker, though -- Man & Machine not only filed for this particular trademark in December of that year, but it also simultaneously sued Apple and CBS over their use of the name. Saucy! Both trademark applications were then put on hold while that case was sorted out -- and after two years of bickering, they finally settled the case and CBS abandoned its registration in June of this year, allowing Man & Machine to resume its registration. Since Apple and CBS were essentially precluded from opposing that renewed registration, it more or less sailed right through, and here we are. Simple, innit? Oh, and for our occasionally misguided friends in the media: it's important to note that CBS and Man & Machine were the involved parties here, and they ultimately settled their dispute out of court. Apple was simply along for the ride, since its agreement was with CBS. If you're going to run with any sensational version of this, we'd suggest something along the lines of Apple screwing this up by not just buying Man & Machine for this mark years ago -- we're certain it would have been cheaper than the millions everyone's undoubtedly spent litigating this since. Got that? Good. [Via TechCrunch] Read - USPTO database entry for Man & Machine's "Mighty Mouse" registration Read - Man & Machine's Mighty Mouse product page
Activision 'Rocktober' trademark conflicts with EA's Brutal Legend marketing
When Activision sent out a press release this morning regarding a Guitar Hero DLC discount, we couldn't help but notice a tiny trademark symbol dangling precariously above the term "Rocktober™." That got our mind grapes juicing: Isn't that the term EA has been using to market Brütal Legend's upcoming October Rocktober 13 release? It is! Lo and behold, we turned up an Activision trademark filing for "Rocktober" dating all the way back to 2007. An EA representative was unable to comment at the time of this posting, but assured us we'll have an official statement from the publisher soon. We've also reached out to Activision for its side of the story. In the meantime, we've dropped the text from Activision's press release -- or as it's no doubt being dubbed by lawyers, Exhibit A -- after the break.
A2M trademarks 'Naughty Bear,' no one shocked
Artificial Mind and Movement, better known to those in the gaming world as A2M, seems to be in the business of inappropriate euphemism name mashups. Starting with the company's own name's abbreviation, moving into the recently published Wet, and recently filing a trademark (spotted by Superannuation) for a new game titled "Naughty Bear," it appears as though the developer is on a mission to bring devilish grimaces to the faces of 13-year-old boys everywhere (ours included).Oh, and just in case you were thinking about quickly snatching up the merchandising or film trademarks to such an impressive sounding name, A2M covered its bases and nabbed those too. We do hear that "Sexy Gorilla" might be available, though. [Image credit] [Via Superannuation]
Activision files trademark for 'Sledgehammer Games'
Skilled internet sleuth supererogatory has uncovered an intriguing trademark filing from Activision, who recently reserved the name "Sledgehammer Games" for an unspecified purpose. Now, this could simply be the moniker of Activision's rumored San Mateo-based studio (whose help wanted ads were also uncovered by supererogatory) -- but we're optimistically holding out hope that the company is working on a Peter Gabriel-inspired minigame collection. We've contacted Activision to see if our wildest, stop-motion animated fantasies are about to come true.
Silicon Valley company creating AO-only 'SexBox' console
It's been a while since we'd last heard the term "SexBox." Too long, in fact. Thankfully, Silicon Xtal Corporation is bringing it back, recently registering a trademark for the word first brought up surrounding the great Mass Effect sex debacle of 2008. According to the filing, SXC intends on making a video game system "which plays interactive Adult Only rated (AO) video game software titles." Considering only around 20 AO-rated titles even exist and no major game publisher currently publishes them, we were left wondering what exactly the business model here will be -- that is, until we read the rest of the description. In addition to specializing in AO games, the SexBox will also give users access to "AO content and entertainment in all other digital forms," which in this case means a ton of delivery methods. "Audio, video, HDTV, DVD, online, gaming, social networking, webcams, video on-demand, downloading, movie rentals, purchases ..." and the list goes on. Finally, somewhere to go for all the mature content we can get! Unfortunately, it appears that someone beat them to it.[Via Siliconera]
Microsoft files trademark for '343 Industries'
Here we are, all ready to write up a post speculating on the recent trademark filing by Microsoft of "343 Industries," when we make the mistake of delving into the Halopedia. Sure, we knew that 343 Guilty Spark was a character in the Halo franchise, but did you know that voice actor Tim Dabado played the AI in all three games? It's not just true, it's also incredibly exciting.Fascinating non sequiturs aside, Microsoft's recent trademark filing of "343 Industries" has clearly sparked Halo thoughts in our speculative minds. Could this be a studio founded within Microsoft to work on future Halo titles, as per the various job listings in the past? Considering the group has been listed as one that works on "computer programs, namely, game software for use on computers and video," we're gonna say that's a pretty safe bet. We contacted Microsoft for comment, who said, "We have nothing to announce at this time." [Via Superannuation]
Vizio sues Funai for patent infringement, seeks to stop TV imports
In the latest episode of this ongoing saga Vizio (now feeling its oats enough to claim the "Number One Shipper of Flat Panel HDTVs in the USA" title) is again suing Funai for patent infringement and seeking an injunction barring Funai from importing and selling its HDTVs. Just in case that wasn't etherous enough, Vizio cofounder Laynie Newsome chimed in with a line to make Funai's soul burn slow, pointing out that unlike some companies, Vizio's patent portfolio has not been rejected by the USPTO. We don't know how realistic it is that shipments of Funai's Sylvania, Philips, Magnavox and other branded products could be stalled by the action -- note Funai's so far ineffective action on Vizio's products -- but hopefully this latest strike brings things closer to a resolution and more cheap televisions for all.
'Life in Hell' trademark points to game adaptation
Those of you familiar with Matt Groening outside of his Simpsons and Futurama endeavors likely raised an eyebrow after reading the title to this post. It's okay, we did the same thing when looking at the trademark. If you're unaware, Groening has had a strip called Life in Hell (renamed to Life is Swell in 2007) going since 1977. Life in Hell (we're staying O.G. with it) revolves around rabbits in hell, and is very different than his more popular works. Now it would seem to be at least in the planning stages of a video game adaptation, as it is one item on a long list at the US Patent and Trademark Office site. Given how many things are listed on the trademark, it would seem there's going to be an all-out merchandising blitz for the property. That, or absolutely nothing will happen. It's usually how these things go. [Via Kotaku]
Trademarks hint at possible Metal Gear for arcades
Konami has filed a pair of trademarks that hint towards possible Metal Gear arcade action in the future. The listings are Metal Gear and Tactical Online Action, and both are described as "arcade games, namely, amusement game machines, coin-operated video games, electronic game machines" in the filings. With Metal Gear Solid Touch recently arriving on iPhone, it looks like Konami is willing to put the franchise on more platforms than ever (except for, you know, that one).Let's just hope that this Metal Gear -- if it ever becomes more than a trademark -- gets a little more TLC than that silly Silent Hill arcade game. Source - Metal Gear trademarkSource - Tactical Online Action trademark [Via Kotaku]
Patent app for touchscreen printer from Sony Surfaces
An interesting concept from Sony has come to light courtesy of the US Patent & Trademark Office, deftly titled: "Image forming device, having an ejection tray, and a display is mounted to a cover." That's a lot of words to describe what is basically a Surface-like touchscreen mounted onto a flat, clamshell printer (shown open after the break). The idea is for users to set their cameras down, view and manipulate images wirelessly, and then print them directly to honest to gosh paper. It appears to be quite a bit smaller than Microsoft's uber-table, and a lot less likely to get Al Roker's groove on too, but it also looks rather more practical and affordable; something you might actually expect to see in someone's home in the next few years. But, don't get too excited about the real-world prospects here -- your guess is as good as ours about Sony's plans for bringing this to market.
Apple wins comprehensive patent for iPhone, bares teeth at Palm
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded Apple patent number 7,479,949 covering key aspects of the iPhone's multi-touch user interface. The filing, with 358 pages of drawings and Steve Jobs as its first author, comprehensively describes the iPhone operating system's interface, and how hardware on the phone interprets finger movements and taps as instructions for the software. The filing makes liberal use of the word "heuristics" -- a trial-and-error-based engineering technique that reduces the calculations necessary to arrive at a solution to a problem. Heuristics may not always be correct, but good heuristics result in something at least close to the right answer. This patent, combined with Tim Cook's statement about protecting Apple's intellectual property during their first-quarter conference call, is a shot across the bow for Palm and their new Pre smartphone. Cook said that Apple would aggressively defend their IP, and a patent covering that IP is an important shield for Apple. AppleInsider also notes that the patent covers features not seen on the iPhone, but interestingly are critical features of the Palm Pre. For example, Apple's patent mentions a touch-sensitive area that does not display visual output: a dead-ringer for the Pre's gesture area, separate from the touch screen. The Pre uses multi-touch gestures as part of its webOS interface. If the technologies in Palm's devices are found to infringe on Apple's patents, Palm will either have to change the way the device works, or license the technology from Apple. The likelihood of Apple granting Palm a license is slim to none. [Via AppleInsider.]
Patent reveals Wii Remote began life as GameCube add-on
What's so interesting about the above image? Is it that the man (?) has no eyes? Is it that he's not using the strap on the Wii Remote? No: it's that this isn't a patent drawing for the Wii Remote at all -- it's for a GameCube controller. The original Japanese patent was submitted by Nintendo in 2006, around the time Shigeru Miyamoto admitted, "[Wii] is based on GC."Now we know its controller was, too, by way of the US Patent and Trademark Office's database, which also contains related drawings. One shows what this line-art person is playing (a tennis game with Mario) and the other is the proverbial smoking gun: a Wii remote and receiver connected to a GameCube, which is, in turn, connected to a TV with sensors attached. Check them out after the break.[Via Siliconera]
Patents threaten virtual worlds, MMOGs
Any person who "invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent," subject to the conditions and requirements of the law. So says the US Patent and Trademarks Office (USPTO), citing the applicable statute. There's a lot of slicing, dicing and hair splitting over nearly every part of that sentence, and some extraordinary debates and numerous calls for reform of the patent system. Nevertheless, today we're looking at two patents that the owners appear to be keen to enforce. Between them, they appear to cover a few simple, and difficult-to-avoid systems that underpin pretty much every graphical virtual environment, and MMOG that you can think of, from World of Warcraft, to Second Life -- and perhaps most of the online multiplayer games since the era of Doom.
Patent Roundup: 'Hover' touch surfaces, liquid-cooled laptops
Two Apple patent filings have piqued interest this week: One for a touch surface that detects where your finger is hovered above it, and another for a liquid-cooled laptop. The hover surface works by measuring light reflected off your finger at various wavelengths to figure out where it is over the surface. Apple uses a basic proximity sensor in the iPhone (so it knows when it's up against your ear), but this new technique would allow more precise recognition of objects hovered above a touch-sensitive surface. Unlike a graphics tablet, which requires a stylus, your finger or hand is likely the intended tool for this surface, as evidenced by the drawings. Second, the liquid-cooled laptop, as with similarly-cooled Power Mac G5s from a few years ago, is designed to improve performance by reducing the temperature of the components of the computer. The patent describes wrapping a small heat pipe around various components in the computer that contains a liquid coolant. Liquid-cooled G5s, though, were prone to leaks, which led to heavy damage and dismay for users of the systems. Apple entirely replaced many of the systems that leaked, rather than trying to repair them. [Via Electronista and AppleInsider.]
