Stellarblade Lawsuit Adds to Confusion

A Louisiana film production company, Stellarblade, is suing Sony and Shift Up for trademark infringement over the PS5 game, Stellar Blade. This legal battle highlights a complex trademark conflict.

Stellarblade's Trademark Infringement Claim Against Stellar Blade

The core of the dispute centers on the strikingly similar names. Stellarblade, a US-based film production company specializing in commercials, documentaries, and independent films, claims that Sony and Shift Up's use of "Stellar Blade" for their game infringes on their established trademark. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in a Louisiana court, alleges damage to Stellarblade's business due to diminished online visibility. The argument is that search results for "Stellarblade" are now dominated by the game, making it harder for potential clients to find the film company.

The Lawsuit's Demands and Timeline

Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, owner of Stellarblade, seeks monetary damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to prevent further use of the "Stellar Blade" name. He also demands the destruction of all related game materials. The timeline is key: Stellarblade registered its trademark in June 2023, after Shift Up registered "Stellar Blade" in January 2023 (following the game's renaming from "Project Eve" in 2022). A cease and desist letter was sent to Shift Up in July 2023. Mehaffey claims ownership of the stellarblade.com domain since 2006, and business operation under the name since 2011.

The lawsuit emphasizes the similarity between the logos and the stylized "S," arguing that this creates consumer confusion. Stellarblade's legal counsel argues that Sony and Shift Up should have been aware of Stellarblade's pre-existing rights. The claim also highlights that trademark rights can often have retroactive application, extending protection beyond the official registration date.

Stellarblade's lawyer stated to IGN that the company believes in fair competition but feels compelled to protect its brand from the actions of larger companies. They argue that the game's superior online presence has pushed Stellarblade into "digital obscurity," threatening the company's livelihood. The situation underscores the challenges faced by smaller businesses when competing with larger entities in the digital marketplace, particularly concerning trademark disputes. The outcome of this case will set a precedent for similar situations.