Trademark Tussle: Stellar Blade Developers Face Lawsuit Over Name Dispute

The developers of the hit action RPG Stellar Blade and Sony Interactive Entertainment have been hit with a lawsuit by the owner of a US company called Stellarblade. The lawsuit alleges that the game's title violates the rights to the Stellarblade name, causing harm to the Louisiana-based company's business. This unexpected legal battle could force the developers to change the game's title, potentially impacting its success and popularity.

Uncovering the Trademark Clash: Stellar Blade vs. Stellarblade

The Stellarblade Company's Claim

Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, the owner of Stellarblade, a company that produces commercials and documentaries, claims that the Stellar Blade game's title is infringing on his company's rights. Mehaffey established Stellarblade in 2010 and launched the "stellarblade.com" website in 2006. He argues that the game's popularity has made it difficult for potential customers to find his company's website, as search engine results are dominated by information about the PlayStation 5 title.

Similarities in Branding

Mehaffey also suggests that there is a similarity between the logos of the two brands, with the color scheme and the use of the letter "S" being comparable. This, he believes, further contributes to the confusion and potential harm to his company's brand identity.

Trademark Registrations

The Shift Up studio, the developers of Stellar Blade, registered the game's title as a trademark associated with video games in January 2023. In contrast, Mehaffey registered the Stellarblade trademark in June 2023, after the initial announcement of the game's title in 2019. This timing has become a point of contention in the legal dispute.

Demands and Implications

Griffith Chambers Mehaffey is demanding that Shift Up and Sony cease using the name "Stellar Blade" or any similar variation. Additionally, he wants the game's developers to provide him with all materials containing the disputed term so that they can be destroyed. Mehaffey is also seeking compensation for the losses he claims to have incurred due to the alleged trademark infringement.

Sony's Response

So far, Sony Interactive Entertainment, the publisher of Stellar Blade, has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The developers, however, are likely focused on the upcoming PC port of the game, which is expected to be released in the near future.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

This trademark dispute highlights the complexities and challenges that can arise when two entities claim rights to similar-sounding names. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the Stellar Blade franchise, potentially forcing the developers to rebrand the game or face further legal action. As the case unfolds, the industry and gaming community will closely follow the developments, eager to see how this trademark tussle is resolved.