The super close collaboration that occurs between a developer and a publisher, regardless of its non-ownership status, often leaves big question marks regarding the rights for every game title that has been released to the market. Which party, between the developer and the publisher, holds the rights to use the name in the future, which becomes increasingly complex if a partnership situation occurs, for example. For an action RPG game that managed to win so many awards in its release year – Elden Ring, at least that status is clear. No longer Bandai Namco, From Software is now the owner of the rights to the open-world Souls game.
Based on official documents that have been officially registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office, From Software appears to have succeeded in obtaining full rights to the Elden Ring trade name after previously being controlled by Bandai Namco. The change in ownership will occur around March 2023, or around 13 months since Elden Ring was released. Unfortunately, there was no more detailed explanation from either party – neither From Software nor Bandai Namco itself regarding the reasons behind the change of ownership.
From Software succeeded in obtaining full ownership of the Elden Ring trademark rights from Bandai Namco.
Thus, From Software now has the freedom to continue exploring the world and franchise of Elden Ring in the future if they intend to do so. What do you think? See this as a “win”?
Source: USPTO via VGC