EA Abandons "Ghost" Trademark, Following Ubisoft's Opposition

FIFA, Battlefield, and Need for Speed publisher EA has withdrawn its application to copyright "Ghosts," after it was disputed by Ghost Recon publisher Ubisoft.

A document submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office states the applicant (EA) "expressly abandons" the application with Ubisoft's consent.

EA filed the trademark application in early March 2015. It is believed this is to secure the name for its Ghost Game studio, which was previously called EA Gothenburg. The studio is currently developing Need for Speed games.

Ubisoft filed a notice of opposition against EA on January 29, pointing out that it has used its Ghost Recon trademark since at least as early as 2001, while EA filed its initial trademark applications for Ghost in March 2015.

"Applicant's Mark so resembles Opposers' GHOST RECON marks alleged herein as to be likely, when used in connection with the goods and services identified in the Applications, to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive," reads the notice of opposition.

"Consumers are likely to believe, mistakenly, that the goods and services Applicant offers under Applicant’s Mark are provided, sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Opposers, or are in some way affiliated, connected, or associated with Opposers, all to the detriment of Opposers. Registration of Applicant's Mark, therefore, should be refused under 15 U.S.C. §§ 1052(d) and 1063."

It is unclear what impact this may have on EA's Ghost Games.