Monster Energy is going after Monster Hunter for having the word “Monster” in its name. The Monster Energy brand, known for its energy drinks and for being a sponsor for events throughout the gaming industry, has started a trademark fight with Capcom. In fact, this isn’t the only time that the company has gone after other publishers and developers for daring to put the word “Monster” in its game names.
Monster Energy had Ubisoft change the name of a game in the past
As reported by Automaton Media in Japan, the rights holder of Monster Energy has filed trademark registration objections to Monster Hunter and even Pokemon, because it says that its brand would be confused with them.
This all seems very silly and frivolous, but Monster Energy successfully had Ubisoft change the game previously known as Gods and Monsters to now Immortals Fenyx Rising. So the consequences are quite real.
Fortunately, the Japan Patent Office isn’t having any of this, and has stated that “there is no risk of causing confusion as to the origin of the product.”
I mean, I’m not sure Monster Energy really wants to open this can of worms any further, because by the same logic, Nintendo and Capcom could argue that it’s Monster Energy that is causing the confusion here. Or perhaps any company with “Energy” in its name could go after them too. At any rate, this doesn’t exactly make me want to drink anything from Monster Energy (not that I would anyway).
It was confirmed that Monster Hunter Rise will not have a physical release on PS5 and PS4, and Capcom has released a RE4 Remake parody anime.
