Candy Crush Developer Going After The Banner Saga Over the Word 'Saga'

Created by: Shawn Zipay
Published: 01-22-2014, 01:02 AM
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Candy Crush Developer Going After The Banner Saga Over the Word 'Saga'

King, the development studio behind Candy Crush Saga didn't feel as though they already won the "Biggest Jackass Developer" award yet by their move to trademark the word "candy." No, instead they now also going after games that have the word "saga" in their name.

Their first major target is The Banner Saga, which is a newly released "Viking-themed tactical RPG." You know, a game that is nothing like Candy Crush. However, since common sense isn't King's strong point, they sent a "Notice of Opposition" to Banner Saga developer, Stoic.

Oh yeah, I can totally see how consumers would be super confused between The Banner Saga (pictured at top) and Candy Crush Saga (pictured below).

This is seriously the stupidest thing I've ever seen. Congratulations, King, your company is now the best at being the worst. I sure can't wait for these idiots to go after Crush for using the word "crush" in their name and for somehow causing confusion with their fanbase.
Tags: Other, trademark, candy crush saga, uspto, patent, candy, candy crush, king, trademark candy, candy trademark, asshats
1 comment
- #1
  
  K-16 commented
  
  01-22-2014, 06:31 PM
  
  Editing a comment
  
  Even though the law permits the same word used for an entirely different product or service (making the Crush soft drink brand immune to King.com's abuse of trademark law), I too am wondering if King.com will attempt it anyways given his apples and oranges mindset could evolve into something more abusive. Apparently bullies still exist out of schools, only this time they're armed with lawyers to take more of your lunch money.
  
  To be fair though (please commence laughter), King.com isn't comparing Banner Saga to any game in particular, but rather is claiming it may cause confusion with Banner Saga being part of King.com's Saga series of games. So rather than comparing to Candy Crush Saga, Banner Saga could be confused as another game made by King.com since it totally shares puzzle elements and lighthearted cartoon themes. So King.com is trying to protect their IP and if they can win this, will then likely take on Vampire Saga: Pandora's Box, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Geneforge Saga, Pandora Saga: Weapons of Balance, and Saga (the 2008 MMORTSCCG for PC). The soft drink Crush will have to wait since there's easier prey to kill (please end laughter).
  
  Also, Stoic's Alex Thomas told Polygon this interesting tidbit about registering for Banner Saga's sequel, "They've blocked our trademark and extended the deadline for the opposition twice so that we are unable to have the rights to the name... Essentially, we are not allowed to own the name 'The Banner Saga' for our game about a viking epic, because King.com says they have claimed rights to the noun 'saga,' which means 'a viking epic,' forever more in the realm of games."
  
  Anyways, when the opposition window opens up for 30 days, I hope somebody will have enough resources to fight and takedown both Saga and Candy as neither is finalized thankfully.
  
  (I honestly can't believe the rumor about this was true.)
  
  Last edited by K-16; 01-22-2014, 06:34 PM. Reason: Seriously, the rumor was true?!
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