USPTO Denies Microsoft “Killer Instinct” Trademark

Killer Instinct video game by Microsoft is having trouble with renewing trademark because of a little-known TV series. Killer Instinct TV series started in 2005 and aired just one season. It was originally ordered 13 episodes, but only 9 episodes were broadcasted in US.

▲ Killer Instinct TV series on Wikipedia

The United States Trademark and Patent Office (USTPO) has denied Microsoft‘s request to renew the trademark for Killer Instinct, Fox's since-ended television series.  Official letter from the USPTO issued Nov. 29, the office would not allow it because of "a likelihood of confusion." with Fox's since-ended TV series Killer Instinct, a video game website Ploygon.com reported.

According to the letter, the USPTO must receive Microsoft's response within six months of Nov. 29 "to avoid abandonment of applicant's trademark application." USPTO also said on the official letter that “Trademark Act Section 2(d) bars registration of an applied-for mark that so resembles a registered mark that it is likely that a potential consumer would be confused, mistaken, or deceived as to the source of the goods and/or services of the applicant and registrant,"  

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