EA Just Extended The Wing Commander Trademark
Our friends at the Wing Commander CIC are all abuzz over the news that Electronic Arts recently extended the Wing Commander trademark, the third such extension they have requested for it.
The trademark filing shows that there have been several extensions submitted, and the most recent went through on September 6, 2011. It was first established on August 5, 2009. Hopefully the extension means the project still has momentum!
What say you, Dragons and Dragonettes? Could this be further indication that EA has something in the works as far as Wing Commander is concerned? Is there another Wing Commander title in some stage of production at this time?
It means that they still see value in the franchise and don’t want to let their stewardship of their property lapse. That’s all. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something in the works.
I think in the new Ultima title, the Stranger will eventually buy a Shuttle from the guy who also seels horses, warp into space, fight Kilrathi, and become a Wing Commander!
I think all it means is that they don’t want some idiot snapping up the trademark and forcing them to purchase it for millions of dollars in the off chance that they want to make a new game or collection.
Essentially, if they didn’t have the trademark, they would only be able to release it under a different name. They would still own the copyright, but not the trademark. Same reason why DC can’t advertise the character Captain Marvel using his own name, because MARVEL own the trademark for the name.
It would screw up any plans they have to advertise the name under Wing Commander.
Welcome to copyright and trademark law in the U.S. Perpetual obligatory renewal by corporations with nothing tangible attached to the IP. What it means is that the public domain is dead. I can’t afford to trademark “Sanctimonia” or “Eight Virtues” but every time corporations sneeze a thousand filings are submitted, signed and sealed. And yes I know it’s my fault for not having money. I’m not a freaking communist.
What would be interesting to know is if Richard Garriott failed to renew his trademark of “Lord British” how quickly EA would snap it up and what Garriott’s [internal] reaction would be.