Lawsuit Complicates 'Stellar Blade' Game's Name

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 alleges that the game's title infringes on Stellarblade's existing trademark.

The core of the dispute centers on the similarity of the names "Stellarblade" and "Stellar Blade." Stellarblade, owned by Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, claims the game's use of a similar name has harmed their business, reducing online visibility and making it difficult for potential clients to find their services. Mehaffey registered the "Stellarblade" trademark in June 2023, while Shift Up registered "Stellar Blade" in January 2023. However, Mehaffey asserts prior use of the name and the stellarblade.com domain since 2006.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to prevent further use of the "Stellar Blade" trademark. It also demands the destruction of all Stellar Blade materials. Mehaffey's legal team argues that Sony and Shift Up should have been aware of Stellarblade's pre-existing rights. They highlight the similarity of the logos and the stylized "S" as further evidence of infringement.

The legal team emphasizes that Mehaffey's company has operated under the "Stellarblade" name for nearly 15 years and that the game's success has overshadowed their online presence. They contend that the defendants' actions constitute unfair competition. It's important to note that trademark rights can often have retroactive application, extending protection beyond the official registration date.

This case highlights the complexities of trademark law and the potential conflicts arising from similar names, even with differing registration dates. The outcome will depend on the court's interpretation of prior use and the degree of similarity between the two marks.