New reports have revealed that FromSoftware has acquired the rights to the Elden Ring name from Bandai Namco.
This information was published by VGC. If you are interested in games from FromSoftware, you can check out our other articles here.
Elden Ring Name Now Held by FromSoftware
According to a recently discovered assignment document of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), ownership of the “Elden Ring” trademark switches between Bandai Namco and FromSoftware in March 2023.
The assignor [Bandai Namco] hereby assigns to the assignee [FromSoftware] all right, title, and interest in and to the trademarks, together with the business goodwill symbolised by the trademarks and registrations identified thereby, and with all claims arising out of or relating to the use of the trademark ownership.The assignor [Bandai Namco] hereby assigns to the assignee [FromSoftware] all right, title, and interest in and to the trademarks, together with the business goodwill symbolised by the trademarks and registrations identified thereby, and with all claims arising out of or relating to the use of the trademark ownership.
Patent and Trademark Office
However, the brand transfer seems to include the Elden Ring name only. Hoeg Law attorney Richard Hoeg recently told VGC that this is not a transfer of the entire IP, although it could happen separately.
According to Hoeg, IP transfers such as the Elden Ring will be done on a contractual basis and will not require public registration.
As of August 2022, FromSoftware’s owner, Kadokawa Corporation, has announced plans to sell the studio’s shares to Sony Interactive Entertainment and Tencent. This sale makes the two own a combined 30% stake in FromSoftware.
According to Kadokawa Corporation, their latest move will enhance FromSoftware’s development capabilities and potentially help the studio publish its games globally.
Elden Ring is available for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).
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