Seems Blizzard have hit a little snag with their plans for new IP Overwatch. Seems someone already has a predated trademark on the name, and now Blizzard’s let it lapse over into a suspension for the game.

Blizzard filed the application for Overwatch back in April and then revealed the game in a very complete form at last year’s Blizzcon. However the USPTO suspended the two applications put in when it discovered a filing by Innovis Labs, Inc., a smartphone app company. The mobile app in question is used for real-life paintball, laser tag and airsoft matches to enhance play.

Blizzard have not responded to the notice of suspension and so the USPTO has sent a Statement of Allowance to Innovis Labs, Inc. – basically if within six months they file a Statement of Use Innovis Labs can use the trademark commercially and Blizzard cannot.

There are many different ways this could turn out, and the most likely seems to be that Blizzard will have to change the name of their game to avoid legal action. However that’s not to say that is what will happen, as similar cases have turned out differently in the past. We can only wait and see.