Warcraft sequels creator Blizzard Entertainment encounters trademark issues to upcoming first-person shooter game "Overwatch," delaying release date.
Announced at BlizzCon last November, the development of "Overwatch" seemed to go smoothly until a bump in the road recently almost hits the break. Scheduled for an early 2015 release date, trademark issues could have delayed the launch, although it still needs to be confirmed by the developer.
In a suspension letter by the US Patent and Trademark Office, "Overwatch" release date could be delayed as the application for trademark has been deferred. The suspension letter read that "the trademark examining attorney noted a prior pending application that, if it matured to registration, may result in the refusal of applicant's mark under Trademark Act Section 2(d) because of a likelihood of confusion between the two marks."
Apparently, a smartphone app has already filed for "overwatch"-disallowing another game of the same name to be used. According to PC Gamer, this could not have been Blizzard's error as the suspension letter included an apology for causing inconvenience. Although the effect on release date has yet to be revealed, it is likely that Blizzard will only need to rename "Overwatch" to stay on track or at least meet the scheduled launch.
"Overwatch" is a first-person shooter game that allows the player to choose from several hero characters with unique abilities, and to choose from two battling sides. Gameplay details include two game modes currently available for players. First is payload where a team is entrusted with a mission to set a bomb, and the opposing team will stop them. The second is known as point capture, again involving the two teams but this time, there will be capture points on a map.
"Overwatch" release date is set for an early 2015, for Microsoft Windows and OS X. No updates yet whether the trademark issue has delayed release date. Meanwhile, watch "Overwatch" gameplay trailer here.
