Sony Interactive Entertainment filed a trademark for Guerilla Games' "Horizon Zero Dawn" for a title extension of "The Frozen Wilds." However, this was suspended due to a similar filing submitted by another game developer. It was also reported that the game was for a slot machine by Huuuge Global Limited.
The United States Patent and Trademark's Office (USPTO) has been holding the suspension for already a month, possible confusion between the two games being the sole and major reason.
A neoGAF user was the one who spotted and pointed out the notice issued last month by USPTO, the notice states: "The effective filing date of the pending application(s) identified below precedes the filing date of applicant's application. If the mark in the referenced application(s) registers, applicant's mark may be refused registration under Section 2(d) because of a likelihood of confusion with that registered mark(s). Therefore, action on this application is suspended until the earlier-filed referenced application(s) is either registered or abandoned."
It also connotes that the USPTO periodically conducts status checks of application to see if a certain suspension is still appropriate or should it be life. A lawyer is expected to issue inquiry letters to applicants regarding the matter and the basis of suspension.
Sony has yet to shed light on the issue, but they are expected to defend their title and argue that expansion title "The Frozen Wilds" will not be confused with Huuuge Global Limited's "Frozen Wild."
It is not clear if the suspension will affect the supposed release of the said game. The "Horizon Zero Dawn": Complete Package will be launched on Dec. 5. It is also expected to come with "The Frozen Wilds" downloadable content should the suspension of trademark be lifted for the said game.
"Horizon Zero Dawn" is an action-playing video game that was first released on 2015 and had a back-to-back win at Game Critics Awards for Best Original Game in 2015 and 2016.
