Fox and Blizzard are at odds over Diablo.
Fox Media has filed for registration of the term “Diablo” as a trademark for HouseBroken, an animated series slated to launch later this month and which features a therapy dog helping other animals, including some Diablo.
Fox’s application specifically covers the use of the name on glassware, tableware, toothbrushes, cookie boxes, lunch boxes, and pet bowls, among others, as well as food and treats for animals.
Blizzard Entertainment has filed a notice of opposition against Fox over the registration of the term Diablo as a trademarkhttps://t.co/2ukfUjFlk4
– GamesIndustry (@GIBiz) May 4, 2021
In a notice of objection, the American publisher Blizzard Entertainment argued that he would be harmed by Fox’s registration of the term “Diablo”, as it has been used for the past 25 years for one of its flagship licenses. In fact, as early as April 1996, Blizzard registered Diablo as a trademark for various uses.
In view of the identical names, the notice of opposition further states that “members of the public will mistakenly believe that Fox products offered under the Diablo brand are from or are in any way related to, associated with or sponsored by, or sponsored by, this company, which will infringe upon to its goodwill and reputation”.
Blizzard therefore wants Fox’s request to be rejected within the next few weeks.
Blizzard’s next releases
Blizzard Entertainment is set to release a remaster of Diablo 2 and its expansion this year, called Diablo 2: Resurrected. The studio is also working on the free-to-play mobile Diablo Immortal. Diablo 4 is also in the works. Blizzard hasn’t revealed when the title might launch, but said a few months ago that it wouldn’t be this year.