Could Overwatch Be Forced to Change Its Name?

Michael Byrne
By Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief Posted:
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While we are still operating under the assumption that Blizzard's upcoming team based shooter, Overwatch, will be free-to-play, the game could be in for a big change even before players have had a real chance to dive into the game.

Blizzard's patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the name "Overwatch" has been suspended due to a prior filing for the same name registered under Innovis Labs, Inc. While the US patent process has been in dire need of an overhaul for quite some time, these two patent applications both fall under "goods related to game software and similar" so both applications have been suspended fearing confusion while the applications are reviewed.

What is Innovis Labs' Overwatch? It's a phone app (already running on the iPhone) that brings video game like representations of real life paintball and laser tag matches to your mobile device.

NeoGAF forum user Rösti has a great breakdown of both applications and the suspension details for those interested in digging into the minutia of the situation.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on any new developments.

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In this article: Blizzard, Overwatch.

About the Author

Michael Byrne
Michael Byrne, Editor in Chief
Mike “Magicman” Byrne has been a part of the MMOBomb family for years and serves as the site’s current Editor-in-Chief. His love for MMOs and gaming in general has led him to covering games for numerous gaming websites including Gamebreaker TV and XIV Nation where he proudly displays his fanboy flag for FFXIV:ARR.

Discussion (7)

Adrian87 8 years ago
From the podcasts i listened to, everyone that played it seems to love it. Wasn't very excited about this game before, but i am starting to get much more interested about it.

70calories 8 years ago
I say the new name should be Project Titan's Corpse

fromhelll 8 years ago
Time to play *audience yells* "Guess The New Name" XD
I hope the don't go with the tired old formula, "Something of Something"
What name would you guys suggest?

Mamson 8 years ago
Dirty Bomb and Overwatch <3 <3 <3
F other f2p fps!


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