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

A legal battle has erupted between an American film production company and Sony, along with developer Shift Up, over the use of the name "Stellar Blade" for their acclaimed PS5 action-adventure game.

Stellar Blade Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit from "Stellarblade"

The developer behind the PS5 hit, Stellar Blade, Shift Up, and Sony are facing a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by a Louisiana-based film production company named "Stellarblade." The lawsuit, filed in a Louisiana court earlier this month, alleges that Sony and Shift Up's use of the name "Stellar Blade" has caused confusion and damage to the film company's business.

Griffith Chambers Mehaffey, the owner of Stellarblade, claims that his company, which specializes in "Commercials, Documentaries, Music Videos & Independent Films," has suffered due to the game's name. Mehaffey argues that the similarity between "Stellar Blade" and "Stellarblade" has led to a loss of online visibility for his business, making it harder for potential customers to find relevant information about his company.

Mehaffey is seeking monetary damages, attorney fees, and an injunction to prevent Shift Up and Sony from using the "Stellar Blade" trademark or any similar variations. Additionally, he is requesting that all materials related to "Stellar Blade" be transferred to him for destruction.

The "Stellarblade" trademark was registered by Mehaffey in June 2023, following which he sent a cease and desist letter to Shift Up in July of the same year. Mehaffey also owns the stellarblade.com domain since 2006, which he has used for his film production business since 2011.

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

Mehaffey's lawyer emphasized to IGN, "Mr. 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 further stated that Sony and Shift Up's resources have overshadowed Mehaffey's online presence, pushing his business into "digital obscurity" and threatening his livelihood built over more than a decade. Mehaffey also pointed out the similarity between the logos and the stylized letter 'S' in both names, which he believes adds to the confusion.

It's important to note that trademark rights can apply retroactively, extending beyond the filing date of the trademark.