Candy Crush: when game developers ironically on the trademark "Candy"
King decides to abandon his trademark "Candy" in the United States and only the United States. Game developers laugh Intellectual Property editor that King tried to have the word "Candy".
There a few weeks ago, a wave of protest had arisen on the web against King. Indeed, the editor of the famous Candy Crush Saga had filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the trademark "Candy."
The application was approved by the U.S. office. Suddenly developers were contacted by Apple asking them to withdraw applications with the word "Candy" on the title. Of course, ownership of generic terms like "Candy" is seen unfavorably.
We learned today that King initiated a procedure that is to abandon its rights to this trademark. A priori, it is a victory for those who opposed it, as well as victims of the appropriation of the word "Candy" by King. But not really.
In a statement, King confirmed that he actually decided to withdraw its trademark Candy, whose application was made in February 2013, before he appropriates another "Candy Crusher."
But this applies only to the United States. Policy Intellectual Property King differs in different parts of the world where it operates. For example, the withdrawal does not apply to the European Union. And the new trademark "Candy Crusher" already has its share of controversy with other publishers, some of whom have launched their titles before Candy Crush Saga.
On another front, know that in response to the previous operation against King game featuring the word "Candy" in their titles, a group of developers had launched a campaign against what is called "trademark trolling."
It is a contest in which developers are encouraged to create titles using ironically the words "Candy" or "Saga". A total of 450 games were developed during the event. And here are the Top 15:
Saga of King Kersnuffle
King of Candy Fart Saga
Candy Biotics
Sticky Candy Puzzle Saga
Kukulki
Dental Defender: Saga of the Horde Candy
Candy Scrolls
The Candymancer Saga
Candy Catch
Candy Combo
ContraCANDY
Candy's Saga Crushes
Candy Chasm Saga
CANDY SCROLL JUSTICE SAGA TM
Candy Princess Saga: Crush Trademark King!