Monster Energy, the popular energy drink company, has recently claimed that the Pokémon games have violated its trademark. The company is known for its distinctive “M” logo, and it is alleging that the Pokémon games are using a “confusingly similar” mark. This claim has created a stir in the gaming community, with many speculating about the potential implications of this move. In this article, we will explore the details of Monster Energy’s claim against the Pokémon games and what it could mean for the future of gaming and brand protection.
The makers of Monster Energy drinks, Monster Beverage Corporation, have a history of making trademark infringement claims against others. According to a report by Japanese media outlet, Automaton, the company has threatened beloved video games like Pokémon, Monster Hunter, and Monster Strike due to concerns about potential confusion with its drinks. Monster Beverage Corporation has made a staggering 134 trademark objections in Japan’s Patent Office and over 100 objections in the US Patent and Trademark Office. Despite objections, Pokémon games were released with their original names, but in 2020, Ubisoft changed the title of its game from Gods & Monsters to Immortals: Fenyx Rising after Monster complained. The indie studio Glowstick Entertainment is also fighting against Monster Beverage Corporation in a case before the US Patent and Trademark Office to keep the name of its game, Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals. The company has also made trademark objections against the Toronto Raptors, a local Lebanese restaurant in Ohio, and a group of fish keepers who wanted to sell merchandise with the name “MonsterFishKeepers”. The Coca-Cola Company partly controls Monster Beverage Corporation, which has a $55 billion market cap. Gizmodo approached both companies for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
In conclusion, Monster Energy’s claim against the Pokémon franchise for trademark violation has caused quite the commotion within the gaming community. While the legalities of the matter may be complex, it is important to consider the broader implications of this case. Intellectual property infringement is a serious matter, but when a company chooses to pursue legal action against a beloved franchise like Pokémon, it is easy to see how they may come across as heavy-handed and out of touch. It remains to be seen how this case will unfold, but one thing is for sure: the gaming industry will be watching closely. As always, it is crucial for companies to weigh the pros and cons of pursuing legal action, and to consider how their actions may be perceived by both consumers and competitors. Time will tell whether Monster Energy’s claim against the Pokémon games will ultimately harm their brand, or if they will emerge from this controversy unscathed.
