A Louisiana-based film production company, Stellarblade, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Sony and Shift Up, the developer of the PS5 game Stellar Blade. The suit, filed earlier this month in a Louisiana court, alleges that the game's title infringes on Stellarblade's existing trademark.
Stellarblade, owned by Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, specializes in commercials, documentaries, music videos, and independent films. Mehaffey claims that Sony and Shift Up's use of "Stellar Blade" has harmed his business by reducing its online visibility. He argues that potential clients searching for "Stellarblade" are now overwhelmed by results for the video game.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to prevent further use of the "Stellar Blade" trademark (and variations thereof). Mehaffey also demands the destruction of all Stellar Blade materials held by Sony and Shift Up.
Mehaffey registered the "Stellarblade" trademark in June 2023, following a cease-and-desist letter to Shift Up. He claims ownership of the stellarblade.com domain since 2006 and operation of his film company since 2011. Shift Up registered the "Stellar Blade" trademark in January 2023, after initially using the working title "Project Eve" for the game.
Mehaffey's lawyer contends that Sony and Shift Up should have been aware of his established rights. The lawyer emphasizes the similarity between the logos and the stylized "S" in both names, further supporting the claim of confusing similarity. The lawyer also highlights the significant impact on Mehaffey's business, stating that the game's online presence has pushed his company into "digital obscurity."
It's important to note that trademark rights can have retroactive application, extending beyond the official registration date. The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen, but it highlights the complexities of trademark law and the potential conflicts arising from similar names in different industries.
