Aside from the leaked reminders on pre-downloads, screenshots and faceplates before the game's release, another more pressing matter occupies Sony today. Apparently, the legendary company that made billions of dollars in making games, forgot to request a trademark extension for their brand. On the day of Bloodborne's release, the game's trademark is officially and legally expired.
Though this can just be a slight oversight, it became target of ridicule as this hasn't happened once. In fact, not only did Sony forgot to extend their trademark on Bloodborne, but they also failed to request for The Last Guardian, No heroes allowed: no puzzles either, Kill Strain and Guns up. All of the trademarks for these games, except for The Last Guardian, which was already resolved, are now expired. This report quickly became fuel of online hilarity for various game websites and critics alike.
A trademark registration is applied by a company to protect their brand. However, each registration must provide proof every six months that the brand is still in use. According to the US Patent and Trademarks office, the Bloodborne trademark was registered in August 19, 2014 and will expire on March 24, 2015. Though the website now lists the trademark application as 'revived,' Bloodborne, at the moment, is an expired trademark.
Reasons for the forgotten trademark extension is not disclosed, though it does tell something, especially how the company gives importance to their trademarks. However due to whatever reasons, the fact still remains that the company 'forgot' to apply for extension before the game's release.
Though this is technically just a slight oversight, as they can easily file for a reapplication, but it showed how the company works. However, even if the online community catches on to this epic trademark fail of Sony, Bloodborne is now here. The real test begins whether fans will love this 'Dark Souls' inspired game or fade away into Sony's archives like the Order: 1886. In the end, the trademark fail will not affect Sony's Bloodborne release or hinder its sales, especially as fans can now help in reminding Sony if any of their next titles have an impending trademark expiration.
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