Apple Removes Popular EDGE Game from App Store on Trademark Claim
1:35 pm, June 5th, 2009, Lonnie Lazar
Edge, a way-cool game for iPhone and iPod Touch by Mobigame, has been removed from the iTunes App Store pending resolution of a trademark dispute being pressed by a guy named Tim Langdell, who claims to own worldwide rights to the use of the word ‘edge,’ at least in the realm of video gaming.
Langdell, whose company Edge Games last developed a video game in 1994, has a reputation in the gaming community as a ‘trademark troll’ and has gained the enmity of a number of gaming aficionados with his latest ploy against Mobigame.
The popular Edge title won the prestigious Milthon Award for Best Mobile Game in 2008 and is designated a Gold level game by Pocket Gamer.
The dispute, and Apple’s apparent policy of removing titles from the App Store at the whiff of legal action, make for a sad commentary on the revenue generated by app developers and what some are willing to do to exercise control over it.
Posted by Lonnie Lazar in Gaming, News, Top stories, iPhone, iPod Touch | Comment on this article
I just have a check, they still have EDGE in the French store. Looks like the problem only concern the US.
naffina, on June 5th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Dear Apple,
This is to inform you that I have trademark and copyright to any and all programs for portable electronic devices, electronic computing devices, and for any entertainment purposes that use the word(s) “game,” “app,” “application,” or “Elf King” in their title, subtitle, or brand. While your sale of these products is not an infringement on my rights, and you have no liability for said sales, I hereby demand you cease and desist the sale of these items from any and all of your retail outlets and internet sites.
Enclosed please find absolutely no legal finding for my claim, nor any court order to enforce it.
Your friend,
Joe “Elf King” Roberts
joebob, on June 5th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
if apple is reading this i Just want to say pleaseeeeeeeee bring edge back!!! i was about to buy it then i realized it was not in the store anymore i was so mad! so please try to bring it back.
Thanks
Daryan
daryan, on July 17th, 2009 at 10:45 am