When Blizzard announced "Overwatch" at BlizzCon last year, the new title was met with a great deal of enthusiasm.
"Overwatch" is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter from the makers of "World of Warcraft."
It's the developer's first new IP in many years.
But the project has run into an unforeseen issue with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). According to documents posted on NeoGAF, the USPTO has suspended Blizzard's application for a trademark for "Overwatch," due to "a likelihood of confusion" with a previously registered trademark.
That trademark is also being sought by Innovis Labs, which uses it for an app that offers "a tactical utility to enhance airsoft, paintball and first-person shooter gameplay events." Both applications therefore lie within the broad realm of "gaming."
Innovis' blurb states that its Overwatch is: "inspired by classic first-person shooter video games." Its application has also been been put on ice. Blizzard's trademark is currently listed as active, but this may be due to the suspension notice only recently being posted. It's very likely that both companies are seeking more evidence to support their own claims.
HNGN has reached out to both Blizzard and Innovis for comment. We'll update as soon as we hear back from either company.
