You might confuse this cartoon dog with the video game series
In one ofmanytales of panicking billionaires surfacing this morning, Blizzard Entertainment is seeking to block FOX Media from its registration of the term “Diablo” as it pertains to tie-in merchandise related to upcoming animated seriesHouseBroken.
The new cartoon features a dog that shares a name with Blizzard’s hellish video game franchise, and as such the latter is concerned that FOX’s trademarking of the name will cause confusion among audiences. FOX’ recent application for “Diablo” specifically concerns the usage of the character’s name on crockery, beverage holders, pet treats, doggie bowls, and other merchandise — which has gotten Blizzard execs reaching for the ‘phone.
As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, Blizzard argues that FOX’s registration of “Diablo” in regards toHouseBrokenmerchandise comes into conflict with Blizzard’s ownDiablotrademark, which the developer/publisher has held since it launched the hugely successful RPG series way back in 1996. Blizzard has requested that FOX’ request, therefore, be rejected by the United States Patent Office.
Blizzard is currently working on three new titles in theDiablofranchise: remasterDiablo II Resurrected, free-to-play mobile releaseDiablo Immortal, and highly anticipated mainline sequelDiablo IV. Meanwhile,HouseBrokenwill premiere on the FOX Network May 31.
