Monster Energy Doesn’t Want Video Games To Use The Word “Monster”
Monster Energy drinks is taking legal action against any company that uses the word "Monster" in its name.
Monster Energy, a company that markets itself as a drink for athletes and gamers, doesn’t actually want video games to use the word “monster,” going as far as threatening legal action against the companies that do. And while most of these threats never actually go to court, an indie developer whose game’s title includes the word “Monster” is documenting their legal fight against the Coca-Cola-owned company. So, despite being extremely bad for you, Monster Energy is also a bad business for gaming developers.
As reported by Kotaku, an indie game developer Glowstick Entertainment has confirmed that it’s fighting a lawsuit from Monster Energy over a trademark dispute. Apparently, Monster claims that the developer’s Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals, released in 2020, bears a trademark too similar to its brand. Admittedly, this could confuse users, who might end up drinking a game disk and trying to play an energy drink out of honest confusion caused by a perceived trademark infringement. We’re obviously being sarcastic here.
According to Glowstick CEO Vincent Livings, Monster Energy, is a known trademark bully, which has sued countless businesses over the years over the use of the word “Monster.” This includes an Ohio business, a Georgia welder, an aquarium hobby forum, and many other gaming studios that used the word “Monster” or any of its variations in the naming of their gaming titles. The last time something like this happened was when Monster Energy clashed with Ubisoft over their Gods and Monsters, which eventually changed its name to Immortals Fenyx Rising.
And while Monster Energy has refused to comment on the matter to anyone trying to call them out, Glowstick Entertainment is providing a full insight into their battle and correspondence with Monster Energy, all in the name of transparency. As it turns out, Monster Energy sent the overreaching settlement terms to Glowstick, stating that, in exchange for being allowed to continue using the game’s current name, the studio will have to refrain from naming any other game with any variation of the word “Monster.”
This also includes making any game promotional content, logo, or anything similar that has the green and white logo on a black background or any monster-styled font, which Monster Energy deems confusingly similar to its brand. This could imply that Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals may not receive a sequel with the word “Monster” if Glowstick Entertainment agrees to these terms. Which it isn’t. The company has decided to fight the case in court while also filing a Motion for Summary Judgement.
Monster Energy, being the trademark bully with a $50+ billion market cap, definitely has the ability to drag the process out longer and drain Glowstick Entertainment’s financial resources as means of pressuring them into a settlement. And it’s actually a common tactic among corporate giants. Luckily, Glowstick decided to show Monster Energy’s true colors publicly, stating that the company’s dishonest approach comprises bullying in secret while presenting a clean image to the public and its loyal fan base.
Unfortunately, Ubisoft’s decision to tuck its tail and succumb to Monster Energy’s demands only embolden Monster to pursue smaller developers. While the Assassin’s Creed maker’s decision was somewhat reasonable, given its previous legal battles and the number of titles the company canceled—announcing more bad news for fans—it’s the duty and privilege of giants to fight other giants on behalf of the smaller. However, David did topple Goliath, so anyone who thinks Monster Energy has gone too far, can stop buying the company’s products.
