Video Game Maker Trademarks Word 'Candy'
That's a bit problematic
Candy Crush Saga is the most pervasive casual game phenomena since Angry Birds and it seems intent on crushing any potential competitors—at least those that use the word "candy" in their titles. King.com Limited registered claim with the US trademark office almost a year ago, to the word 'candy' as it pertains to video games (and clothing!) Well, last Wednesday, January 15, King's filing was approved and today there are reports that developers are receiving emails from Apple if their games contain the word "candy" in the title. There is no report yet if any clothing makers have been contacted, but a quick look at the Zaraterez website shows that they are no longer offering Candy Crush as one of their leggings offerings.
According to a report by Jim Squires in the GameZebo blog, a developer named Benny Hsu, who makes a game called All Candy Casino Slots – Jewel Craze Connect: Big Blast Mania Land (quite a keyword-stuffed mouthful!), got such an email from Apple. "Lots of devs are frustrated cause it seems so ridiculous," says Hsu. Developers are being asked to remove their apps from the App Store or prove that their gams do not infringe upon the Candy Crush trademark.