Whilst browsing through Reddit the other day, this author came across a post linking directly towards documentation which proclaimed that Microsoft has trademarked “ Battletoads ”, the name of NES game that Rare released back in 1991.
According to Wikipedia , Battletoads was renowned for its difficulty as a beat ‘em up title, which starred three playable toads who would battle against an army of space mutants to defeat their nemesis, the Dark Queen. The surfacing of Microsoft’s trademark of the game can lead to the speculation that the 90s game may, in some way, be re-introduce into the modern day, over 20-odd years since it initially released.
The trademark itself was filed in America last week on Wednesday, November 5, and appeared in the United States Patent and Trademark database.
Given that the recent claimed trademark for a Fallout title turned out to be false, it’s understandable to be weary of whether or not Microsoft’s trademark is legit. Fret not, however, as Game Informer reports that the trademark is indeed real, confirmed by Microsoft itself.
Whilst Battletoads is a confirmed trademark under Microsoft’s wing, the company didn’t disclose any details on what it might do with the IP.
“ Microsoft often acquires various trademarks as part of its ongoing business strategy, but beyond that we have no comment, ” a Microsoft representative told Game Informer. Microsoft’s last trademarks that this author is aware of were made back in April ; for “ Entwined ” and “ Kill Strain ” respectively.
We’ll bring you more news on Battletoads should further information reach our ears.
[ USPTO / Game Informer ]