Active Network Sues Electronic Arts over Trade Mark

Added on : 16 June 2010
Filed under : Trade Marks

Active Network, an online network and resource for exercise, training and events, has filed a suit against Electronic Arts, one of the world’s leading gaming companies. EA is launching its Sport Active 2.0 game for iPhone, Wii and PS3 and the online interactive ability of the new game could put it in direct competition with the hugely popular Active website.

Active Network claims that the word “Active” in the game’s title infringes its trade mark, granted in 2008, and says only it has the right to use the word in association with sports events and exercise training programmes. The company didn’t raise any issues with EA’s original Sport Active games, but commentators believe the interactive functionality – new to this forthcoming version - has prompted the move.

The Active Network wants Electronic Arts to remove the word “Active” from the game’s title and is seeking damages of $75,000 and lawyers’ fees. EA have yet to comment on the lawsuit, but the game is not scheduled for release in the UK until Autumn 2010, and EA’s website currently states that the name of the game is a “working title”.

Sources: eurogamer.net, gamespot.com, eagames.co.uk