Gamevy ends trademark dispute with Netflix
Slots developer agrees IP-led deal to share Space Force with international streaming giant
Online games developer Gamevy has ended its UK trademark dispute with video-streaming giant Netflix over the use of its Space Force trademark.
Gamevy was initially contacted in January following Netflix’s announcement it would look to produce a Space Force television series, parodying US President Donald Trump’s proposed new space exploration entity.
Gamevy has been developing a Space Force slot since late 2018 and applied to register Space Force as a trademark in January 2019. According to sources, Netflix applied to register the same trademark seven days later.
Netflix subsequently approached Gamevy through the Intellectual Property Office Trademark Dispute Process, confirming its intent to register a trademark in the same trademark class.
Following discussions, Gamevy has agreed to share the trademark with Netflix, allowing both firms to operate products under the name Space Force but on the condition neither firm uses imagery or marketing materials from each other’s product.
The agreement also prohibits Netflix from selling its Space Force intellectual property within the online casino space. Gamevy launched its Space Force game in September, while Netflix’s SPACE FORCE TV series will launch later this year.
Space Force is currently accessible on the online casino websites of operators including Rank, Mr Green, GVC, ComeOn, Interwetten, Betsson and Lottoland.
Paul Dolman-Darrall, Gluck Group CEO, said being in a trademark dispute with a major company like Netflix was a “scary” experience but was happy there was room for both brands to operate.
Speaking about the potential for more of these disputes in the future, Dolman-Darrall said it was a strong possibility because TV and entertainment products are in the same trademark category as casino games.
“That means as they are trying to think of new names and ideas, they will potentially come into conflict with ideas we are working on. In fact, I can already envisage us having more situations like this,” Dolman-Darrall added.