Off the back of Electronic Arts’ recent Unravel trademark discrepancies, the Californian mega outfit appear to have engaged another company of similar stature, Ubisoft, in a trademark filing dispute over the word ghost. The long and short of it? EA seeks to call dibs on the word in relation to their Ghost Games studio and Ubi ain’t having none of it.
Life’s too short for legal disputes – there’s barely enough time to work through our list of best PC games.
As uncovered by the ever-inquisitive fellows over at NeoGaf, legal documents show that in March of last year, EA applied for a trademark that was quickly met by Ubisoft’s opposition the following August. It wasn’t until January 29, 2016, however, that legal action was filed by Ubisoft’s lawyers.
“Since at least as early as 2001,” read the papers. “Ubisoft has used the trademark GHOST RECON in connection with video games and entertainment services in the nature of online video and computer games…long before Applicant [EA] filed the Applications on March 18, 2015 and long before Applicant’s November 19, 2013 claimed date of first use.”
The opposition filing continues: “Applicant’s Mark so resembles Opposer’s Ghost Recon marks alleged herein as to be likely, when used in connection with the goods and services identified in the Applications, to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive. Consumers are likely to believe, mistakenly, that the goods and services Applicant offers under Applicant’s Mark are provided, sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Opposers, or are in some way affiliated, connected, or associated with Opposers, all to the detriment of Opposers.”
Following EA’s Unravel trademark issues, Yarny’s tale will continue to be know as before. Likewise, regardless of how this one plays out, I imagine Ghost Games will continue on with the same title. Add this to Sony’s recent crusade to legally capture the term ‘Let’s Plays’ as their own, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the big dogs are going a wee bit power mad at the moment.
Either way, EA have until March 9 to respond to Ubisoft’s opposition.