Riot Games Files for "Defense of the Ancients" Trademark Following Valve's Filing for "DotA"

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Since Valve Software only filed for a trademark on "DotA", Riot Games has in turn filed for a trademark on "Defense of the Ancients". The filing by Riot came just three days after Valve's own trademark was filed, according to an interview with PC Gamer.

Steve "Pendragon" Mescon told PC Gamer that "the idea that one single company is taking control of the name of something that hundreds of people have contributed to is surprising," echoing earlier statements. "I believe DotA should always remain a community-owned product that modders, independent developers and game fans can continue to modify and play as often as they'd like."

The counter-filing and Riot's statements seem to be coming from some assumption that Valve is planning on releasing either a paid or non-modifiable product under the "DotA" name. No product has been officially announced by Valve at this time.

For the moment, Mescon is giving Valve "the benefit of the doubt because of their history," but remains concerned by "a single organization taking ownership of the name, the community at large would no longer be able to contribute to DotA like they have for years."

For more with Mescon, head on over to the full interview at PC Gamer.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    August 17, 2010 5:35 PM

    So hypocrisy is ok?

    • reply
      August 17, 2010 5:55 PM

      you beat me to it, heh

    • reply
      August 17, 2010 6:15 PM

      I believe the idea is to file the trademark before somebody else to protect it. They aren't doing it to enforce and prevent others from using.

      • reply
        August 17, 2010 6:32 PM

        how do they know valve wasnt going to do that?

        • reply
          August 17, 2010 6:42 PM

          they dont, but no indication has been given that was the intent.

          • reply
            August 17, 2010 8:18 PM

            typically when someone files for a patent they dont make announcements immediately after doing it

      • reply
        August 18, 2010 6:11 AM

        the point of a trademark is to prevent others from using it unless they agree to your terms (licensing)

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