Ubisoft and EA lock horns over ‘Ghost’ trademark

Ubisoft makes Ghost Recon.

Yes, it’s true: Electronic Arts, the studio responsible for games like Star Wars: Battlefront and Mirror’s Edge, is trying to trademark the word “ghost”. However, most gamers will likely gravitate to Ghost Recon, Ubisoft’s long-running tactical shooter series…which is exactly why the mega-publisher has made a decision to combat EA’s attempted trademark of the word “ghost” in relation to the gaming industry. It is of course a bit ridiculous to think that anyone would confuse Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Something-Something with Ghost Games makers of Need for Speed.

“Consumers are likely to believe, mistakenly, that the goods and services Applicant [EA] offers under Applicant’s Mark are provided, sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Opposers [Ubisoft], or are in some way affiliated, connected, or associated with Opposers”, Ubisoft’s statement reads (republished via NeoGAF).

As for Unravel, EA’s trademark application has been abandoned but developer Coldwood Interactive’s Martin Sahlin isn’t too anxious about the issue. “Registration of Applicant’s Mark, therefore, should be refused under 15 U.S.C. §§ 1052(d) and 1063”.

EA apparently has until March 9 to respond to Ubisoft’s claims, while the trial schedule-should there be a trial-is outlined below.

Now, legal battles are often legitimate, but this one seems a little silly in my mind. Call of Duty: Ghosts was released back in 2013 and it’s unknown if the game will develop its own story-arch. I’m not sure any would… ever.