Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Capcom registers trademark for potential new game 'Remember Me']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/capcom-registers-trademark-for-potential-new-game-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/capcom-registers-trademark-for-potential-new-game-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/capcom-registers-trademark-for-potential-new-game-remember-me/#comments It would seem Capcom is gearing up to announce a brand new game. According to a trademark that recently surfaced online, the new title is called Remember Me. There isn't anything else to go on right now outside of a filing date of May 22, 2012, and that the trademark was filed in both the US and Europe.

With E3 around the corner, it's likely we'll hear about this game next week. We're not ones to usually speculate, but our money's on Remember Me being an entirely new property. Nothing in Capcom's past suggests Remember Me is a reboot or an installment in one of Capcom's numerous established franchises.

JoystiqCapcom registers trademark for potential new game 'Remember Me' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomremember-metrademarkMon, 28 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/#comments Blizzard has dropped a short-and-sweet press release (reprinted below) informing us that it has landed on a "mutual agreement" with Valve regarding the contested "DOTA" trademark. DOTA, of course, stands for "Defense of the Ancients," which is a fanmade map and mode for Blizzard's Warcraft 3, originally based on a Starcraft map. Developer "IceFrog," who's overseen the DOTA map since 2005, has gone to work for Valve on DOTA 2, while Blizzard has been working on its official variation of the game, previously called Blizzard DOTA.

The mutual agreement means that Valve will get the rights to use the "DOTA" trademark commercially, so DOTA 2's name won't change. Blizzard reserves the right for fans to use the trademark noncommercially, but will give up the DOTA name for its official variant. That game will instead be called Blizzard All-Stars, "which ultimately better reflects the design of our game," said Blizzard executive VP Rob Pardo. "We look forward to going into more detail on that at a later date."

Valve's Gabe Newell also gave comment, saying that Valve is "pleased that we could come to an agreement with Blizzard without drawing things out in a way that would benefit no one." Blizzard All-Stars doesn't have a release date yet, and DOTA 2 is due out next year.

Continue reading Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars

JoystiqBlizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotadotadota-2gabe-newellnoncommercialpcrob-pardotrademarkvalveFri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/lucasfilm-applies-for-star-wars-1313-trademark/#comments ImageA strange new trademark application by Lucasfilm portends a new multimedia Star Wars franchise, including video games. The company filed for the name "Star Wars 1313" for use with video games, as well as toys, trading cards, sticker books, pencil sharpeners, online social networking services, and anything else that can possibly bear the Star Wars logo.

The document contains no indication of what "Star Wars 1313" means; we knew the series was set "a long time ago," but don't know if that translates to 700 years in Earth time. However, a quick Wookieepedia search reveals "CT-1313" as a name used by Boba Fett in a Star Wars novel. So it could be a Boba Fett-focused thing. Dengar's still waiting for his big break.

JoystiqLucasfilm applies for 'Star Wars 1313' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lucasartslucasfilmstar-warsstar-wars-1313trademarkusptoMon, 07 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA files trademark for 'SimOcean']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/#comments ImageWhile that Atlantis management sim starring Aquaman - you know, our dream game - isn't likely to be made anytime soon, it seems EA is already laying claim to Sim-themed titles beyond 2013's "SimCity." A new trademark for something called SimOcean was filed earlier this week.

The filing was made in Europe and spotted by Siliconera, and beyond that we don't know much else. Maxis produced a slew of Sim offshoots over the years, including SimHealth, SimTower, SimFarm and many more. We'll have to add SimOcean to that list if it ever becomes more than a trademark.

JoystiqEA files trademark for 'SimOcean' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artseuropeglassboxglassbox-enginesimoceantrademarkSat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just look at this PS Move steering wheel patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/#comments ImageAt first glance, it looks like Sony's answer to the Wii Wheel. But the patent proposing the above device has one odd feature: controller grips on the side of the wheel, which houses a PlayStation Move, that extend outward.

The patent - it's described as "ornamental design for a video game controller peripheral" - was originally filed in April of last year and recently surfaced online. As is the case with many patents, this is less of a guaranteed product and more of snapshot of some of the ideas that went through a peripheral designer's head.

JoystiqJust look at this PS Move steering wheel patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>movepatentplaystationplaystation-moveps3trademarkusptoThu, 19 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zenimax files 'FUS RO DAH' trademarks, USPTO cowers behind desk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/zenimax-files-fus-ro-dah-trademarks-uspto-cowers-behind-desk/#comments
There's little we like more than some good ol' fashioned wind shouting, Dragonborn-style, and it looks like Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax Media agrees with us. The company recently filed a sextet of trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term "Fus Roh Dah" - a trio of words that originate with Skyrim.

In particular, the filings pertain to everything from the typical computer game trademark to a variety of merchandising and "entertainment services." Though it's fun to fantasize about the ridiculous merchandizing possibilities, it's likely that Bethesda's parent company is just locking up said trademarks against potential profiteers. Now, if you'll excuse us, we'll get back to dreaming about "Fus Roh Dah"-themed sporting equipment (covered by filing number 85589296).

JoystiqZenimax files 'FUS RO DAH' trademarks, USPTO cowers behind desk originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5fus-ro-dahfus-roh-dahskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtrademarkusptozenimaxzenimax-mediaWed, 11 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Pac-Man Smash' trademarked in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/pac-man-smash-trademarked-in-europe/#comments ImageNamco Bandai filed a European trademark (number 010786341) for something called "Pac-Man Smash!" suggesting that, finally, Namco is making a spinoff game based on Pac-Man.

All right, maybe there's not enough information in the trademark listing to do much other than joke about the ubiquity of games starring Pac-Man, but the trademark does at least specify that it's for a video game (or card game, toy, or "gymnastic and sporting articles.)

The majority of Pac-Man-themed games end up on mobile or iOS these days (Pac-Man Arcade Golf, Pac-Man Kart Rally, Pac-Chain, etc.) so that's a likely destination for whatever this turns out to be. We're attempting to corner Namco now to ask about it, before the publisher can find a Power Pellet and turn on us.

Joystiq'Pac-Man Smash' trademarked in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europenamco-bandaipac-manpac-man-smashtrademarkMon, 09 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft dates Rocksmith for UK despite trademark issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/ubisoft-dates-rocksmith-for-uk-despite-trademark-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/ubisoft-dates-rocksmith-for-uk-despite-trademark-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/ubisoft-dates-rocksmith-for-uk-despite-trademark-issue/#comments Ubisoft has issued a September 14 release date for its guitar teaching program Rocksmith in the UK. There's a small problem with that: Ubisoft hasn't actually cleared the trademark dispute that pushed the game into 2012 in the first place. "No agreement/deal has been reached and no meaningful dialogue engaged," Kris Ford, percussionist for the band Rocksmith, told Eurogamer.

Ford said the release date announcement was "interesting but no surprise." Proceedings with the European trademark office are expected to continue through June. Giving a date to the game is "a bit presumptive to say the least, as to the outcome of that process and decision." He admitted that Ubisoft could just launch the game as it did in the US, "which will mean the start of a different kind of legal battle in the UK courts." Ford then went on to hope for "another English victory" close to the anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. Really.

JoystiqUbisoft dates Rocksmith for UK despite trademark issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3q3-2012release-daterocksmithtrademarkubisoftukxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trademark filing suggests new Mini Ninjas game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/trademark-filing-suggests-new-mini-ninjas-game/#comments It appears that Square Enix may be planning another game filled with tiny assassins. A European trademark filing suggests the publisher is developing a new Mini Ninjas game, titled Mini Ninjas: Hiro's Adventure. Adding to the evidence, Square has also registered a web domain under the same name.

The original Mini Ninjas (pictured) was released in 2009, though it's also coming to Google's Chrome web browser soon. The web app is currently available in beta.

JoystiqTrademark filing suggests new Mini Ninjas game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>io-interactivemini-ninjasmini-ninjas-hiros-adventuresquare-enixtrademarkWed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ files '1666' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/thq-files-1666-trademark/#comments THQ has filed a request for "1666" with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Gamespot dug up the trademark, which the site speculates could be in reference to the Great Fire of London.

Of course, other events occurred in 1666, including the Four Days' Battle, one of the longest naval engagements in history. Plus, we could totally go for a fresh take on The Ancient Art of War at Sea.

We were also curious if it's even kosher to trademark a number:

"Why yes, you can. The mark just has to be attached to a product, so even a number can be a mark. It happens all the time with cars (F150, 328i, M3, e55, A4, IS350, etc.) and often with other 'model number' kinds of instances," former Law of the Game columnist and actual lawyer Mark Methenitis explained.

"The important thing to remember is the mark only applies to the list of goods (in the case of 1666, the list is more or less "video games"), so while I couldn't make another game named 1666, I might be able to make a movie and I would certainly be able to make a set of kitchen utensils or a perfume called 1666. Those are a completely different kind of good unlikely to be confused with the game -- or at least I would assume; if the game is about a chef with a perfume fetish, maybe not."

This is the second time a trademark filling by the financially troubled publisher has popped up in recent memory, with "Evolve" showing up a couple weeks ago.

JoystiqTHQ files '1666' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1666THQtrademarkWed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/#comments Notch seems to be happy with the outcome of Mojang's legal tussle with Bethesda, which allows Mojang to use Scrolls as the title of a coming game that looks and plays nothing like anything in the Elder Scrolls series. Bethesda retains the trademark for "Scrolls," but Mojang can use it for its title, a result that had Notch beaming -- but as with all legal battles, it's not that simple.

After the celebratory "Yaaaay! <3" Notch tweeted, "The actual document I signed was like a billion pages, so at least we know a bunch of lawyers got rich. Good, wouldn't want them to starve." Within those billion-odd pages comes an interesting deal that prohibits Mojang from using "Scrolls" in the title of any sequels to Scrolls:

"ZeniMax has licensed the 'Scrolls' mark to Mojang to be used solely in conjunction with its existing Scrolls digital card game and any add-on material it makes to that game," a Bethesda statement reads. "The terms of the settlement bar Mojang from using the Scrolls mark for any sequel to the current card game, or any other video game."

Either Notch doesn't plan on making more than one iteration of Scrolls, or the subsequent titles will be called "Reams," "Parchments" or "Ancient Paper that One Rolls Up and can Unravel to Read From, Such as a Decree."

JoystiqMojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworkslawsuitlegalMarkus-PerssonmojangnotchpcscrollssequelTrademarkzenimax-mediaMon, 12 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: THQ trademarks 'Evolve']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/#comments THQ has filed a trademark for "Evolve" with the United States Patent & Trademark Office, according to an application dug up by Gamespot. The trademark's classification is rather wordy and all encompassing, ranging from what you'd expect ("computer game software") to what you might not ("providing entertainment services, in the nature of a site featuring entertainment information, discussion groups, non-downloadable video games, and downloads relating to video games").

Here on Rampant Speculation Theatre, it's our job to take news that is particularly svelte and jazz it up with lies predictions, so let's get to it: Evolve will be a Spore-esque artificial life simulator, covering the evolution of all planetary life from single-celled organisms through modern man. Evolve's differentiating factor will be the fact that all evolution takes place in real time; at 6 billion years long, it offers players excellent value for money.

JoystiqRampant Speculation Theatre presents: THQ trademarks 'Evolve' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EvolvePatentTHQTrademarkSat, 03 Mar 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's 'The Cave' is not the Kickstarter adventure game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/double-fines-the-cave-is-not-the-kickstarter-adventure-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/double-fines-the-cave-is-not-the-kickstarter-adventure-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/double-fines-the-cave-is-not-the-kickstarter-adventure-game/#comments We already knew that Double Fine had at least two projects cooking at the moment, but now we know more about one of them -- a recent trademark filing for "The Cave" apparently isn't attached to the development studio's Kickstarter project. A Double Fine rep confirmed as much to GameSpot this week in a statement which read, "While we can't comment on unannounced projects, we can say that Double Fine's Kickstarter-funded adventure game has not been started, designed, or even imagined yet. No trademarks have been filed on its behalf."

Like so many trogloxenes, the "Cave" project is still shrouded in darkness. We are, however, less than a week from GDC and the beginning of near-monthly trade events, so we imagine it won't be too long before any information at all about the game is revealed.

JoystiqDouble Fine's 'The Cave' is not the Kickstarter adventure game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finekickstarterthe-cavetrademarkThu, 01 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine trademarks 'The Cave']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/double-fine-trademarks-the-cave/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/double-fine-trademarks-the-cave/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/double-fine-trademarks-the-cave/#comments Double Fine Productions has applied for a US trademark for "The Cave," according to a listing on the US Patent and Trademark Office site. There's no information in the trademark registry about what this is, except that it's intended for "computer game software and video game software," which rules out our guess that Double Fine is trying to trademark the concept of caves. Too bad, that would have been super lucrative.

Of course, the most exciting possibility is that this is a potential title for the "Double Fine Adventure" project for which Double Fine raised all of everyone's money. It could also relate to Ron Gilbert's mystery project. Or it could be the nickname for Double Fine's new, cavernous money vault. Oh, no, wait, "computer software and video game software."

JoystiqDouble Fine trademarks 'The Cave' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finethe-cavetrademarkTue, 28 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['GTA TV' and 'Rockstar TV' trademarked by Take Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/gta-tv-and-rockstar-tv-trademarked-by-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/gta-tv-and-rockstar-tv-trademarked-by-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/gta-tv-and-rockstar-tv-trademarked-by-take-two/#comments As OXM UK has discovered, Take-Two has filed trademark applications for "Rockstar TV" and GTA TV" within the past week at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, though neither has been approved just yet (nor will either be until an examining attorney is assigned "approximately three months after filing date").

Each trademark filing features identical product descriptions, denoting the filings as for (breath), "computer game programs and software; animated motion picture films featuring entertainment, namely, action, adventure, dramatic, comedic, children's and documentary themes; pre-recorded video discs and other pre-recorded digital and electronic media in the field of live action programs, motion pictures, or animation featuring entertainment, namely, action, adventure, dramatic, comedic, children's and documentary themes."

Additionally, each filing was assigned "pseudo marks" by the USPTO, referring to the "TV" part of each as "television" -- pseudo marks are not seen as definitive, but as identification marks for easing USPTO database searches. In other words, it's possible "TV" stands for something else, but we're betting against that. We've reached out to Rockstar and Take-Two for comment, but have yet to hear back as of publishing.

Joystiq'GTA TV' and 'Rockstar TV' trademarked by Take Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gta-tvrockstar-gamesrockstar-tvtake-twotake-two-interactivetrademarktrademark-filingusptoTue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rampant Speculation Theater presents: Microsoft files for 'Avatar Famestar' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rampant-speculation-theater-presents-microsoft-files-for-avata/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rampant-speculation-theater-presents-microsoft-files-for-avata/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/19/rampant-speculation-theater-presents-microsoft-files-for-avata/#comments Last monday, Microsoft submitted a trademark filing for "Avatar Famestar" to the US Patent and Trademark Office. The application classifies the trademark for "downloadable software for video game services" and "providing an online portal for video game services and social networking," which leads us to believe it has something to do with video games.

What that something might be is anyone's guess, but you came here for our guesses, which are as follows:
  • Avatar Famestar will be a tri-platform XBLA/Windows Phone/Facebook photo-editing suite akin to Hipstamatic and Instagram, in which the user will be able to add her Xbox Live avatar into any picture uploaded into the service. Animated sparkling overlays and faux-Polaroid frames serve as monetized microtransactional DLC.
  • "Take control of your Xbox Live avatar as they audition for simulated singing and dancing reality shows, embarking on the musical journey of a lifetime in this Better With Kinect[TM] experience! Upload your audition tapes to Friendster and LiveJournal and let your friends hear the snarky British commentary delivered by Avatar Famestar's virtual judges! It's just like losing your dignity on national television, only without the brief candle of fame flickering in the distance! Pre-order today!"

JoystiqRampant Speculation Theater presents: Microsoft files for 'Avatar Famestar' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-famestarmicrosofttrademarkSun, 19 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom registers new Darkstalkers trademark in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/capcom-registers-new-darkstalkers-trademark-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/capcom-registers-new-darkstalkers-trademark-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/capcom-registers-new-darkstalkers-trademark-in-europe/#comments Capcom's only been teasing a re-release or remake of its cult classic 2D fighter Darkstalkers for, oh, three years or so at this point, so we wouldn't call our reaction to this morning's discovery of a European trademark filing for Darkstalkers one of "surprise," exactly. Instead, the reaction was that of expectancy, as we're taking a wild guess that this isn't a registration for a brand new Darkstalkers game as much as it is for an updated port, as Capcom is fond to do with its previously released fighting games (Street Fighter 3: Third Strike Online and Marvel vs Capcom 2 spring to mind).

Furthermore, Street Fighter x Tekken producer Yoshinori Ono has gone out of his way to repeatedly remind fans to push Capcom on the Darkstalkers franchise. "This is all up to the readers. They have to create the buzz. They have to tell us. They have to write the condition. They have to send in all these letters of plead," Ono said back in October 2010. He once again asked fans to voice their opinion in a New York Comic Con panel this past October, which was met with raucous support from showgoers.

Capcom had yet to return our request for comment as of publishing, nor do we expect to hear much until the publisher is good and ready to talk Darkstalkers. Our bet would be in March at GDC or PAX East in April, but we've got our tendrils crossed that we'll hear something sooner. Should you need some Darkstalkers action in the meantime, might we suggest this PSone classics version that's currently available?

Update: Capcom has responded to our request for comment with a one line answer: "We have not made any announcements."

JoystiqCapcom registers new Darkstalkers trademark in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdarkstalkerseuropeeuropean-trademarktrademarkWed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix files for European trademarks 'Drakerider' and 'Blood of Chaos']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/square-enix-files-for-european-trademarks-drakerider-and-bloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/square-enix-files-for-european-trademarks-drakerider-and-bloo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/square-enix-files-for-european-trademarks-drakerider-and-bloo/#comments The problem with trademark filings, folks, is that unless they're tied to an already existing intellectual property, it's a bit difficult to suss out whether they're for a new game or for a new downloadable content pack or ... what, exactly. Such is the case with two newly discovered Square Enix trademark filings, one for "Drakerider" and one for "Blood of Chaos" -- neither of which flickers our memory to life.

Siliconera discovered said filings, both of which were completed in Europe, and also discovered corresponding URL registrations tied to each. And while they conservatively suppose that these trademarks could be tied to the Drakengard and Blood of Bahumut series', we're just gonna put it all out there: "Drakerider" is clearly a crosspromotion between Sony and Square to create the Uncharted kart racing game we all expected from Naughty Dog, wherein players pilot bipedal "Drakeracers" against chocobos in a race against the end of the world. No idea about that other one, sadly.

JoystiqSquare Enix files for European trademarks 'Drakerider' and 'Blood of Chaos' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-of-chaosdrakeridereueuropean-unionsquare-enixtrademarktrademark-filingMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard taking Valve to court over 'DOTA' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/blizzard-taking-valve-to-court-over-dota-trademark/#comments Which giant company has the rights to the fan-created, community-promoted word "Dota?" That's up to the courts now. Blizzard has filed a Notice of Opposition with the US Patent and Trademark Office, seeking to block Valve's registration of the word. The word has been used exclusively in reference to a (mod of a) Blizzard game, the document explains. "By virtue of that use, the DOTA mark has become firmly associated in the mind of consumers with Blizzard, including to signify a highly popular scenario or variant of one of Blizzard's best-selling computer games, Warcraft III."

Valve, the document goes on to claim, hasn't used the word for anything yet. There's also a lot of history of Warcraft III, which is a really strange thing to read in a legal document. The case is in discovery now, with pretrial procedures taking place throughout this year and into next. We hope this court proceeding doesn't delay either of the games, as those companies are quite capable of delaying their games on their own.

JoystiqBlizzard taking Valve to court over 'DOTA' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzard-dotadotadota-2legalpctrademarkunited-states-patent-and-trademark-officeusptovalveFri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai trademarks 'Alien Confidential']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/namco-bandai-trademarks-alien-confidential/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/namco-bandai-trademarks-alien-confidential/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/namco-bandai-trademarks-alien-confidential/#comments In addition to eternally retelling tales of swords and souls upon the stage of history, Namco Bandai may also be up to something a little more extraterrestrial. Siliconera has unearthed a trademark application for "Alien Confidential," filed by Namco Bandai on December 12 in North America and the EU.

We know literally zero things about what this project could entail, so we're going to do what we normally do in situations like this and speculate wildly: Alien Confidential will be an alternate universe "What if?" amalgamation of the Alien and L.A. Confidential timelines, produced by Ridley Scott, directed by Curtis Hanson, and running on the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations engine. You heard it here first!

JoystiqNamco Bandai trademarks 'Alien Confidential' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienalien-confidentialCurtis-Hansonla-confidentialnamco-bandaiRidley-ScotttrademarkSat, 17 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom files trademark for 'EX Troopers']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/capcom-files-trademark-for-ex-troopers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/capcom-files-trademark-for-ex-troopers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/capcom-files-trademark-for-ex-troopers/#comments Not Exosquad Capcom has filed a trademark for something called "E.X. Troopers." Your initial reaction might be one of excitement, but that's because you're confusing the title with Exosquad. It's okay, we did it too.

So what exactly is E.X. Troopers? We can safely assume it's a game of some sort but, beyond that, it's a mystery. We're going to guess these are the kind of troopers that shoot aliens (or monsters, etc), not the kind that pull you over on the highway.

JoystiqCapcom files trademark for 'EX Troopers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomex-troopersnot-exosquadtrademarkFri, 02 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Techland trademarks 'Dead World,' declines to comment on Dead Island sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/techland-trademarks-dead-world-declines-to-comment-on-dead-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/techland-trademarks-dead-world-declines-to-comment-on-dead-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/techland-trademarks-dead-world-declines-to-comment-on-dead-is/#comments Dead Island developer Techland filed for a trademark on something called "Dead World" recently, prompting speculation that plans for a sequel to the open-world zombie RPG were beginning to unfurl. Techland declined to comment on the matter, though the trademark is legit.

Dead Island shambled up the charts when it was released in September, thanks to plenty of zombie buzz and that popular trailer (never mind the less-than-glowing critical response). A title like "Dead World" hints that the game will take on a slightly larger scale than just an island resort, but we'll have to wait and see until the company decides to make any official announcements.

JoystiqTechland trademarks 'Dead World,' declines to comment on Dead Island sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-islanddead-worlddevelopermicrosoftpcplaystationpolandps3techlandtrademarkxboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trademark for 'Circle Pad Pro' suggests new 3DS Expansion Slide Pad name]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/trademark-for-circle-pad-pro-suggests-new-3ds-expansion-slide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/trademark-for-circle-pad-pro-suggests-new-3ds-expansion-slide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/trademark-for-circle-pad-pro-suggests-new-3ds-expansion-slide/#comments A Japanese trademark uncovered by Siliconera offers a clue as to what Nintendo may call the 3DS Expansion Slide Pad outside of Japan -- even though the peripheral has yet to be announced for release outside of Japan. The fact that there even is such a name suggests that a western release is likely (and unsurprising).

The trademark refers to the "Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro," a name reminiscent of the "Classic Controller Pro." That makes sense, as the peripherals are similar: they're both controllers with comfortable grips, and designed almost exclusively for use with a Monster Hunter game.

JoystiqTrademark for 'Circle Pad Pro' suggests new 3DS Expansion Slide Pad name originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscircle-pad-projapannintendoslidepadtrademarkTue, 25 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Insomniac trademarks two varieties of extraterrestrial 'Beast']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/insomniac-trademarks-two-varieties-of-extraterrestrial-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/insomniac-trademarks-two-varieties-of-extraterrestrial-beast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/insomniac-trademarks-two-varieties-of-extraterrestrial-beast/#comments Resistance developer Insomniac has filed trademarks for two new titles, "Galaxy Beasts" and "Space Beasts," which we're just going to assume are two alternate titles for the same project.

Insomniac has begun creating original IP for entities other than Sony, starting with the multiplatform, EA-published Overstrike; this could be the next original property headed for a multiplatform release. Even more likely, however, is that the platform it's headed to is Facebook.

Insomniac's new Facebook-focused "Click" division has yet to announce any projects. Those titles sound potentially Facebooky, right?

JoystiqInsomniac trademarks two varieties of extraterrestrial 'Beast' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxy-beastsinsomniacspace-beaststrademarkMon, 24 Oct 2011 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Electronic Arts sues EA (a fitness company) in logo dispute]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/electronic-arts-sues-ea-a-fitness-company-in-logo-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/electronic-arts-sues-ea-a-fitness-company-in-logo-dispute/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/electronic-arts-sues-ea-a-fitness-company-in-logo-dispute/#commentsThe logo pictured, for Energy Armor, probably reminds you of the Electronic Arts logo. And according to Electronic Arts, it's a logo "likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive consumers as to an affiliation, connection, or association between Energy Armor and Electronic Arts." Because of this, Electronic Arts has filed a complaint with the court of California, Gamasutra reports.

Energy Armor, a company whose chief offering is wristbands, recently registered the logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office -- the same logo that appears on the company's popular wristbands. Electronic Arts' complaint calls for a block on the registration, and that all existing wristbands Energy Armor is holding on to be delivered and destroyed.

Not yours, though. You already bought it, so you're cool.

JoystiqElectronic Arts sues EA (a fitness company) in logo dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disputeeaelectronic-artsenergy-armorlawsuitlogotrademarkWed, 05 Oct 2011 22:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney trademarks Castle of Illusion, but M-I-C-K-E-why?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/disney-trademarks-castle-of-illusion-but-m-i-c-k-e-why/#comments Disney put a trademark on the term Castle of Illusion, portending a new release Disney has put in a new trademark request for the term "Castle of Illusion," which presumably refers to the old Sega Genesis game, Castle of Illusion starring Mickey Mouse. The trademark is specifically targeted at video game software.

We're not sure what Disney intends to use this trademark for, if anything. It could be a brand new release also set in the castle that Mickey platformed through while trying to save Minnie, or it could be a re-release of the old game on a new platform, like Virtual Console release or even iOS. Whatever its release plans, Disney is apparently laying out the legal groundwork for something.

JoystiqDisney trademarks Castle of Illusion, but M-I-C-K-E-why? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-of-illusioncastle-of-illusion-starring-mickey-mousedisneyrumorsega-genesistrademarkusptoWed, 05 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trademark suggests Ni no Kuni PS3 to be called 'Wrath of the White Witch']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/trademark-suggests-ni-no-kuni-ps3-to-be-called-wrath-of-the-whi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/trademark-suggests-ni-no-kuni-ps3-to-be-called-wrath-of-the-whi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/trademark-suggests-ni-no-kuni-ps3-to-be-called-wrath-of-the-whi/#comments We don't necessarily need more evidence than an official announcement, but we feel reassured to see steps being taken toward a localization of Ni no Kuni on PS3. And now any plans to extort Level-5 by sniping the trademark of its game have been foiled.

Last week, Level-5 filed a US trademark for "Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch." The Japanese title of the PS3 game translates to "The Queen of Sacred White Ash." The trademark more closely resembles the PS3 game than the DS game, "The Jet-Black Mage."

Ni no Kuni is due for release in North America in "early 2012."

JoystiqTrademark suggests Ni no Kuni PS3 to be called 'Wrath of the White Witch' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>level-5ni-no-kuniplaystationps3trademarkMon, 03 Oct 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[EA files trademarks for 'Style Empire']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/ea-files-trademarks-for-style-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/ea-files-trademarks-for-style-empire/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/02/ea-files-trademarks-for-style-empire/#comments Alright kiddies, there's enough fuel in our rampant speculation engine to last a while, so let's get to it: On September 26, EA filed a trademark for "Style Empire," which is classified in the documentation as "Computer game software; Downloadable computer game software via a global computer network and wireless devices."

A second filing also registers the trademark for "Entertainment services, namely, providing an on-line computer game; Provision of information relating to electronic computer games provided via the Internet." No further information is available at the moment, which is to be expected this early in the game, but it sure sounds like a casual and/or social game at this point. We could be wrong, though; maybe Style Empire is EA's new massive multiplayer rhythm dress-up motion game for arcades and the Wonderswan.

JoystiqEA files trademarks for 'Style Empire' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmacmobilepcsocialstyle-empiretrademarkSun, 02 Oct 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[European trademark suggests Yakuza: Of the End coming to the west as 'Yakuza: Dead Souls']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/european-trademark-suggests-yakuza-of-the-end-coming-to-the-wes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/european-trademark-suggests-yakuza-of-the-end-coming-to-the-wes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/european-trademark-suggests-yakuza-of-the-end-coming-to-the-wes/#comments Sega's Daisuke Sato hinted to us during TGS that Sega might be thinking about localizing Yakuza: Of the End. We now have another hint in the form of a European trademark. Just yesterday, Sega filed "Yakuza: Dead Souls," a better, more natural-sounding potential subtitle than "Of the End."

There are a few other unlocalized Yakuza projects -- Yakuza Kenzan, the PSP Black Panther and its sequel, and a mobile game for GREE -- but "Dead Souls" is a more fitting name for the zombie shooter Of the End than for any of those, and thus the most likely use of the "Dead Souls" name. We're checking with Sega, in the hope that it'll confirm the transplant of a zombie-filled Tokyo to America and Europe.

[Thanks, George.]

JoystiqEuropean trademark suggests Yakuza: Of the End coming to the west as 'Yakuza: Dead Souls' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daisuke-satoplaystationps3segatrademarkyakuza-dead-soulsyakuza-of-the-endWed, 28 Sep 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notch challenges Bethesda to Quake 3 deathmatch for 'Scrolls' trademark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/notch-challenges-bethesda-to-quake-3-deathmatch-for-scrolls-tr/#comments Look, sometimes the traditional justice systems of the world just can't get it done. Some kerfuffles require alternative forms of arbitration -- like, for instance, the recent trademark dispute between Mojang and Bethesda over the former's upcoming game, Scrolls. Notch from Mojang has an interesting suggestion for solving the dispute once and for all: "I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3," he said in his blog earlier today.

"Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors," Notch added. "We select one level, you select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins." The stakes for this contest would be fairly high, as Notch added, "If we win, you drop the lawsuit. If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you're fine with."

In related news, we've been sitting here for like, an hour, trying to turn this whole scenario into a parody song of Charlie Daniels' "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Our two hang-ups are that we're not comfortable characterizing either party as Satan, and also that we're just not Weird Al-clever.

JoystiqNotch challenges Bethesda to Quake 3 deathmatch for 'Scrolls' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworkslawsuitMojang-Specificationspcquake-3scrollstrademarkWed, 17 Aug 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/#comments Not exactly unexpectedly, about four hours ago Markus "Notch" Persson -- creator of Minecraft and head of Mojang Specifications -- received a letter from a Swedish law firm representing Bethesda Softworks. It claimed that his company's trademark of the word "Scrolls" for use with a currently-in-development game was infringing on Bethesda's own trademark, "The Elder Scrolls," and requested "a pile of money up front" before things could proceed. But Notch could've guessed it was coming.

Writing on his Tumblr page, Notch explains that "about half a year ago," his company's legal team suggested registering "Minecraft" as a trademark. In the process, Mojang also filed to register "Scrolls," killing two birds with one stone. Notch writes that "A while later, out of the blue, we got contacted by Bethesda's lawyers. They wanted to know more about the 'Scrolls' trademark we were applying for, and claimed it conflicted with their existing trademark 'The Elder Scrolls.'" At the time, Mojang responded by offering what Notch calls a compromise: "We'd agree to never put any words in front of 'Scrolls,' and instead call sequels and other things something along the lines of 'Scrolls - The Banana Expansion.'" In his piece, he says that he's not sure if Mojang ever heard back.

Fast-forward to this afternoon, and a "15-page letter" from a Swedish law firm, on behalf of Bethesda, arrives for Notch (pictured above). He says it's threatening a lawsuit if Mojang refuses "to stop using the name 'Scrolls,'" and that Bethesda will sue should that be necessary. Regardless of the current situation, Notch notes at the top of his piece, "I love Bethesda. I assume this nonsense is partly just their lawyers being lawyers, and a result of trademark law being the way it is." Here's hoping that compromise works out, and Notch is somehow legally bound to name the first Scrolls DLC "The Banana Expansion."

Update: This piece was originally headlined "Minecraft studio being sued by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title," and has since been amended to more accurately reflect the situation.

JoystiqMinecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkslawlawsuitlawyerslegalmarkus-perssonmojangmojang-specificationsnotchscrollstrademarkFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft trademarks 'Iron Brigade' for video game use]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/microsoft-trademarks-iron-brigade-for-video-game-use/#comments Either Microsoft is planning on releasing a new military shooter, or it's really getting into organizing its heavy metals into tightly regimented platoons. The company recently filed a trademark with the USPTO for computer game software titled "Iron Brigade," a possible reference to a Union army unit which served during the American Civil War.

As tech news site Fusible points out, though more modern units share the name, the trademark lines up nicely with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Then again, logic can't always be applied to the naming of games; we could just as easily be talking about a future robot dating simulator or something.

JoystiqMicrosoft trademarks 'Iron Brigade' for video game use originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-civil-warcivil-warmicrosoftpctrademarkusptowarxboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Rally-X Rumble' trademarked by Namco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/rally-x-rumble-trademarked-by-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/rally-x-rumble-trademarked-by-namco/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/rally-x-rumble-trademarked-by-namco/#comments The next game in Namco's "Generations" series of creatively updated retro games may be a Rally-X revival. Siliconera found a European trademark for "Rally-X Rumble," filed at the end of last month.

In case you never explored the filler games on your Namco Museum collections, Rally-X was a top-down maze game, essentially Pac-Man with cars, released in arcades in 1980. Players collect flags around the maze, while avoiding red enemy cars and stunning them with smokescreens.

No matter how weird you might think it is to bring this game back, it's still not the weirdest revival. That's Dancing Eyes. Aero-Cross follows pretty closely.

Joystiq'Rally-X Rumble' trademarked by Namco originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamconamco-generationsplaystationps3rally-xrally-x-rumbletrademarkxboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 files US trademark for 'Little Battlers eXperience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/level-5-files-us-trademark-for-little-battlers-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/level-5-files-us-trademark-for-little-battlers-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/level-5-files-us-trademark-for-little-battlers-experience/#comments We still don't know exactly what Level-5's American branch is doing, but a US trademark filed by the company could provide a clue. Siliconera found a trademark (serial number 85377402) for "Little Battlers eXperience," a title that references the "LBX" toy robots in Danbol Senki, a PSP action RPG about collecting and battling toys. After our TGS demo with the game, we'd be happy to see a localization.

In Japan, the PSP game is accompanied by a manga, an anime series, and even a toy line (one of the toys is bundled with the game), but Level-5 has made no announcements regarding a localized version of any of those things. The US trademark explicitly covers all those media.

JoystiqLevel-5 files US trademark for 'Little Battlers eXperience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danbol-senkilevel-5level-5-iaLevel-5-International-Americalittle-battlers-experienceplaystationpspsonytrademarkWed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story's 2010 US trademark receives 'Notice of Allowance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/the-last-storys-2010-us-trademark-receives-notice-of-allowance/#comments In a nicely timed coincidence, the US trademark Nintendo filed for The Last Story has popped back up, reminding us all that Nintendo made at least a casual overture toward a North American release back in January of 2010 when it filed the document. The Last Story is currently one of the subjects of the "Operation Rainfall" fan campaign.

This week, the trademark was granted "Notice of Allowance," which means it went through its 30-day "opposition period" without any parties opposing the registration of the mark. It has therefore been allowed for registration, but not yet finally registered.

And, of course, even the existence of this trademark doesn't mean Nintendo intends to publish the game here. Companies (including Nintendo) routinely file trademarks worldwide for all of their properties, in case they decide to release them at some point -- or just to prevent others from using the name. Late last month, Nintendo announced it had 'no plans' to localize The Last Story, Xenoblade, or Pandora's Tower.

JoystiqThe Last Story's 2010 US trademark receives 'Notice of Allowance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mistwalkernintendothe-last-storytrademarkwiiFri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trenched Euro release struggles continue, lawyer explains background]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/trenched-euro-release-struggles-continue-lawyer-explains-backgr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/trenched-euro-release-struggles-continue-lawyer-explains-backgr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/trenched-euro-release-struggles-continue-lawyer-explains-backgr/#comments The trademark holder of Trench plans to keep on fighting to protect the name, which has prevented Microsoft and Double Fine's XBLA title, Trenched, from being released in "select" European territories. The legal wrestling involves Trench, a board game (pictured) that's being turned into a video game. Trench completed its trademark filing in 2009 for Europe and 2010 for the United States, almost a year before Trenched applied in May 2011.

"Because the application is barely 2 months old, the USPTO hasn't issued any actions on the Trenched filing. More than likely, the Trenched mark won't grant without some resolution to the Trench mark issue in the US," Law of the Game on Joystiq columnist -- and actual lawyer -- Mark Methenitis explains.

"Here's where this gets a little tricky. The Trench mark is filed as a 1(b) mark, which is an 'intent to use.' That is, they plan to use the mark, but aren't using it yet. From the notice of allowance (issued March 15 2011), they have six months to use the mark, request an extension for six more months. The maximum time they have to get a product to market is 3 years. So they only have until March 15, 2014, at the latest. But if they miss a response deadline, the application is abandoned, and then they don't have grounds from that application to stop the Trenched application."

Continue reading Trenched Euro release struggles continue, lawyer explains background

JoystiqTrenched Euro release struggles continue, lawyer explains background originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-fineeuropelawmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiostrademarktrenchtrenchedxblaxboxWed, 13 Jul 2011 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA['Vidrhythm' trademarked by Harmonix [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/vidrhythm-trademarked-by-harmonix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/vidrhythm-trademarked-by-harmonix/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/vidrhythm-trademarked-by-harmonix/#comments Harmonix has filed an "intent to use" trademark application for Vidrhythm with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As Siliconera notes, the independent developer has said it's looking down many development avenues, so it's not clear what Vidrhythm may be. Go ahead and place your bets.

Officially, Harmonix is currently working to high-kick Dance Central 2 out the door and continues to pump out Rock Band DLC at a weekly beat. We've contacted the developer for any further details on Vidrhythm.

Update: Harmonix communications director John Drake informed Joystiq: "Nothing to add at this time, other than to confirm that it is a project we're working on."

Joystiq'Vidrhythm' trademarked by Harmonix [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3TrademarkUSPTOvidrhythmwiixboxWed, 06 Jul 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Zenimax trademark 'Dishonored' points to potential new game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zenimax-trademark-dishonored-points-to-potential-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zenimax-trademark-dishonored-points-to-potential-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zenimax-trademark-dishonored-points-to-potential-new-game/#comments Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax has filed for an extension of a trademark for a potential new game called Dishonored. System Link just found the trademark, which extends to a few domain registrations -- all signs point to this being an unannounced game right now.

Everything else at this point is speculation, though we're fairly certain that Bethesda and id aren't involved -- both have Skyrim and Rage to worry about at present. Zenimax does own several other studios, however, including Machinegames Sweden AB, Tango Gameworks, Arkane Studios and Vir2L Studios, any of whom could be tapped for this project.

Finally, let's not forget Zenimax Online Studios, the parent company's MMO developer formed in 2007 ... right around when the trademark was first filed. Coincidence?

JoystiqZenimax trademark 'Dishonored' points to potential new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkane-studiosbethesdaBethesda-Softworksdishonoredidid-SoftwareMachinegames-Sweden-ABtango-gameworkstrademarkvir2l-studiosFri, 01 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/#comments Just a couple of days after watching our nation's highest legal officers debate the impact of video games across this great country, it's time for us to return to a much sillier gaming lawsuit. Gamasutra obtained a June 23 court filing issued by Interplay regarding the developer's legally troubled Fallout MMO. The filing comes as a response to a preliminary injunction filed by Bethesda which attempted to prevent Interplay from using the franchise's story, setting and characters in their online opus.

Interplay's counter-filing explains, "For at least four years, Bethesda has known that Interplay interpreted its right to create the Fallout-branded MMOG to include copyrighted content from the Fallout universe in order to make the MMOG a recognizable Fallout game." We don't know, guys -- that seems a little unreasonable. When we heard Interplay was working on a Fallout MMO, we just assumed it would be a massively multiplayer online puzzle-platformer set in a colorful, kid-friendly version of ancient Rome.

JoystiqInterplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-onlineinterplayiplawlawsuitlegalmmopcpoliticstrademarkWed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 'PS Vita' logo appears on EU trademark registry filing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/sony-ps-vita-logo-appears-on-eu-trademark-registry-filing/#comments On friday, while no one was peeking, Sony Computer Entertainment was quietly filing to trademark the name "PS Vita" and a logo in Europe. But NeoGAF forum user B.D. noticed, and pointed out the Trademarks and Designs Registration Office of the European Union (breath) filing this morning, which again hints at the repeatedly rumored final name of Sony's codenamed handheld, the NGP.

Additionally, Sony Computer Entertainment filed for the name "PlayStation Vita." Unfortunately, none of the listings specifically spell out what exactly the trademark is for -- each of the three listings denotes a wide range of potential applications, including gaming (and specifically handheld gaming). It's likely we'll find out what's what tomorrow evening, when Sony's E3 2011 presser kicks off, and the company is expected to put a final name on its upcoming handheld.

JoystiqSony 'PS Vita' logo appears on EU trademark registry filing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeeuropean-unionngpplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapsvitasonytrademarktrademarksvitaMon, 06 Jun 2011 03:10:00 EST