When Blizzard announced Overwatch as their newest IP at Blizzcon 2014, the game was met with much interest and intrigue.
Whether it be good or bad, that weekend was met with much talk about Overwatch. Though any news about the game has been quiet since then, we have bad news about the game as of recent, Blizzard’s trademark over the name Overwatch is suspended.
On January 9th, 2015, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suspended Blizzard’s trademark for Overwatch. In the USPTO documents obtained by a NeoGAF user by the name of Rosti, it states that the trademark has been suspended because it might be confused with another property. The second property in question is Innovis Labs’ mobile application meant to enhance paintball and airsoft. Both applications for the trademark are suspended.
What does this actually mean for Blizzard’s newest IP?
Well, Innovis Labs actually applied for trademark before Blizzard had, so they could win the trademark if they choose to appeal the suspension. Blizzard themselves could also choose to appeal for suspension to fight for the trademark. The Ip could see a rebrand into something else entirely.
What becomes of the IP is something to keep an eye out for as the game’s slated to go into open beta in early 2015.
