Grand Theft Auto 5 Trademark Infringement with Speedo?

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Michael N. Cohen

November 10, 2011 | In

Grand Theft Auto 5 Trademark Infringement with Speedo?

With Grand Theft Auto 5’s release all gamers are excited.  But who would of thought that GTA and Speedo would get into a trademark spat?  One of the most highly anticipated video games of the year, Grand Theft Auto 5, recently released an online trailer. The trailer spread like wildfire, and one apparent detail of the new game may cause a big headache for Rockstar Games, the maker of the iconic and very popular racing game. That detail is the word “Speedophile” printed on the side of a Jetski, looking something like a logo.

The word Speedophile may have a simply descriptive meaning in urban slang terms (someone who likes going really fast). However, it’s possible that the swimwear manufacturer, Speedo could take issue with this particular logo blazened on the side of a Jetski. The main problem is that in this image, the first part of the word “Speedo” is a different colored font than “phile”. The result is that it looks like “Speedo” is somehow referenced. If the game is released with this detail (and it looks likely that it will be), Rockstar Games may get promptly slapped with a trademark infringement lawsuit.

And, given that Speedo has just shut down a porn site in Australia that featured their logo on a few pairs of swimwear, it seems they are keeping a sharp lookout for trademark infringers.

Author

  • Patent and Trademark attorney Michael Cohen

    Michael N. Cohen is a Los Angeles based Intellectual Property attorney and founder of Cohen IP Law Group, P.C. For over 20 years, he has provided nuanced and sophisticated IP and business litigation services to a diverse clientele. His practice focuses on patent and trademark prosecution and litigation, as well as complex business and internet law disputes for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Michael is a registered patent attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

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