Stellar Blade vs \"Stellarblade\" Lawsuit Makes It More Confusing

A US film production company has accused Sony and Shift Up of trademark infringement regarding their successful PS5 game, Stellar Blade.

Trademark Dispute Over "Stellar Blade"

Registered Trademarks at the Center of the Conflict

A Louisiana-based film production company, "Stellarblade," is suing Shift Up (the developer) and Sony over the use of the name "Stellar Blade" for the game. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in a Louisiana court, alleges trademark infringement.

Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, owner of Stellarblade, claims his company's business – specializing in commercials, documentaries, music videos, and independent films – has suffered due to the game's use of the similar name. He argues that the game's online presence hinders his company's visibility, making it difficult for potential clients to find his business online.

Mehaffey seeks monetary damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to prevent further use of "Stellar Blade" (or similar variations). He also demands that all Stellar Blade materials be transferred to him for destruction.

Mehaffey registered the "Stellarblade" trademark in June 2023, following a cease-and-desist letter to Shift Up the previous month. He claims ownership of the stellarblade.com domain since 2006, used in conjunction with his film production company since 2011.

Mehaffey's lawyer stated to IGN that it's "difficult to imagine that Shift Up and Sony were unaware of Mr. Mehaffey's established rights before adopting their identical mark." Stellar Blade, initially known as "Project Eve" (announced in 2019), was renamed in 2022. Shift Up registered the "Stellar Blade" trademark in January 2023, months before Mehaffey's registration.

Mehaffey's lawyer further emphasized to IGN that Mehaffey "registered the stellarblade.com domain in 2006 and has used the STELLARBLADE name for his business for nearly 15 years. We believe in fair competition, but when larger companies disregard the established rights of smaller businesses, it's our responsibility to stand up and protect our brand." The lawyer also highlighted the alleged monopolization of online search results by the game, pushing Mehaffey's business into obscurity. The similarity of logos and the stylized 'S' are also cited as grounds for the lawsuit.

It's important to note that trademark rights can often be applied retroactively, extending protection beyond the official filing date.