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TIGSource ForumsDeveloperBusinessCan a video game's title be the same as another existing one?
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Author Topic: Can a video game's title be the same as another existing one?  (Read 673 times)
jmas
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« on: August 16, 2016, 03:57:40 AM »

Hi.

I didn't know there was another game with the same name as mine. I have time to rename it(more than enough), so that's why I'm asking now, before it's too late.

I named my project recently, "MAD WORLD". However, I've found out there's a game that already exists. It's called "MadWorld", it's developed by Platinum Games, and published by SEGA. Is it illegal/copyright infringement to name my game "MAD WORLD"? Should I just rename it to be on the safe side?

Thanks for your time.
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b∀ kkusa
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« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2016, 07:30:29 AM »

Since it's published by Sega, it's likely to be trademarked.
Trademark: 'MAD WORLD'
SEGA Games Co., Ltd.
European Community Trademark, no. 006853014
Registered   3. 12. 2008
Expiry date   22. 4. 2018

it's not really illegal (if your game is a freeware) but at some point you may receive a takedown letter from lawyers asking you to change the name of your game, which might be annoying for you if your game established a follower base and people used to your title.


But you should probably change the name if you want exposure because of 1982 song Mad World .

or change a letter , m@d world for example.
« Last Edit: August 16, 2016, 07:51:27 AM by b∀ kkusa » Logged
dxman
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« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2016, 08:25:47 AM »

Arguments over naming can be a real hassle even if you're technically in the right. Just look at what happened with Double Fine and their game Trenched... or the whole mess between Banner Saga and Candy Crush Saga.
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ProgramGamer
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« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2016, 08:48:52 AM »

Mojang's Scrolls and Bethesda's Elder Scrolls is another example.
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eerr
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« Reply #4 on: August 16, 2016, 09:04:16 AM »

As  b∀ kkusa  says, it's a bad idea to crib a name off something many times more famous than you. You just won't get exposure from a search engine.

And even if you thought of it yourself, your intention really doesn't matter.
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jmas
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« Reply #5 on: August 16, 2016, 01:18:54 PM »

I'll change it, thanks for your input , guys .
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