We are all aware or at least have heard of the term Let’s Play nowadays, due to YouTube, and other steaming services and gamers. Watching people playing video games on the internet is growing at a rapid pace, and anybody with an internet can now do so via the PS4 or Xbox One. The term Let’s Play is exactly what it sounds like, people playing games for other people to watch and be part of the experience.
It has been suggested that Sony is actually trying to claim the term, according to a recent trademark listing at the US Patent and trademark office. The trademark was found by NeoGAF users, after a registration was applied from Sony back in October. The trademark applied for was for, “electronic transmission and streaming of video games via global and local computer networks; streaming of audio, visual, and audiovisual material via global and local computer networks”.
I Sony somehow managed to claim the term Let’s Play, they would stand on strong ground to sue streamers that used the term. Back on December 29th 2015, the USPTO, stated that the request would likely be declined. They have said that there’s already a very similar trademark from a company that provides a similar service. The similarities between Sony’s application and another trademark, are enough to refuse Sony’s application because it “could give rise to the mistaken belief that [the goods and/or services] emanate from the same source.”
It seems like a farfetched move from Sony, but if they want to keep pursuing registering a trademark for “Let’s Play,” they now have six months to respond, and put forward how the trademark is different. Its safe to say that streaming games in growing at a rapid pace, and is becoming very popular along with E Sports, and for Sony to consider trying to own the term ‘Let’s Play’ is a massive move. Most game publishers use streamers to create sponsored videos, or promote games.
RSS