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by jacques_chester 732 days ago
Trademarks are namespaced by subject matter.
2 comments

Yep, Blizzard's trademarks are for:

> Computer game software, [ computer game discs, ] downloadable computer game programs, computer game software downloadable from a global computer network, electronic games software for wireless devices, interactive multimedia computer game programs, mousepads, computer mouses, headsets for use with computers, computer keyboards

> Printed matter, namely, [ computer game strategy guides, ] comic books, graphic novels, novels, art books, calendars, posters, [ notebooks, ] and stickers

> Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line computer games; Providing computer games that are accessed via a global computer network

> Clothing, and headgear, namely, caps, hats, hooded sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, and T-shirts

> Toys, games, and playthings, namely, action figures, collectible toy figures, dolls, plush toys, and vinyl toy figures

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86239314&caseSearchType=U...

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86434530&caseSearchType=U...

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86239318&caseSearchType=U...

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=86980853&caseSearchType=U...

A search for "overwatch" currently matches 191 registered trademarks in the US.

thanks Kube said it lot better than I did here. :)
I'm saying they shouldn't be worried about being sued by Blizzard. This software is not a video game or related merchandise.

Trademarks do not cover all uses of a word -- they only cover the use of a word in relation to a particular field of commerce. This is, likewise, why your grocery store can sell apples without being afraid of the equally litigious Apple Inc.

But they still would need to watch our for the even more litigious Apple Corp.
What about WWF? I always thought you'd have to be a complete imbecile or willfully dishonest to confuse the World Wrestling Federation with the World Wildlife Fund, yet here we are.
The number of times I've seen someone market a product called "The Matrix" since 1999 would tell me trademarks like this aren't a big deal.