Candy Crush Saga Developer trying to trademark word 'Candy'

[Bard]

This is just simply ridiculous.

The developer company King.com already filed an application to own the word 'candy'.

King.com also warned other developers not to use word candy on their games.

Yes, CCS is popular and it's #1 on android game market but that doesn't mean you can own word candy.

I am boycotting King.com games from now.



Candy Crush Saga Developer Moves to Trademark 'Candy' | News & Opinion | PCMag.com


What King's 'candy' trademark really means | Polygon

 

[lunatic59]

It's complicated. U.S. trademark law is designed to protect the consumer from market confusion or misrepresentation, but also the author from having their "identity" stolen or copied. But, it's very narrow in it's application.

For example, Owens Corning was able to trademark the color pink, but only in relation to fiberglass insulation. They couldn't claim infringement from bubble gum or breast cancer. And, the only reason this is a valid trademark is that fiberglass is not naturally pink.

Now, the "candy" trademark will be trickier since "candy" is an encompassing term. This obviously only relates to the gaming industry, but what if Hershey or Cadbury wanted to develop a game for a promotion and use the word "candy" in the title? I doubt King could enforce that as it's a descriptive word of their product.

IANAL (Thank you-know-who)

"What do you call 100 lawyers buried up to their necks in sand?"

Spoiler

Not enough sand.

 

[Thom]

What do you call 100 lawyers buried up to their necks in sand?

A good start.

... Thom

 

[dan330]

hahahah.. candy ahahaha... lawyers...

what forum am I in?

 

[mikedt]

Microsoft owns the word "windows" doesn't it? US trademark laws?

 

[lunatic59]

Microsoft owns the word "Windows" doesn't it? US trademark laws?

Only in relation to software operating systems. I doubt Pella or Andersen have any confusion issues.

 

[kate]

it simply asks for control over the word "candy" for use in software products, educational services, and clothing—including bath robes, ear muffs, shower caps, underwear, and paper hats.

Educational services and clothing seems like a reach.