2 different things with the same name = problem?

Hi, Unity community users! Recently I released my first android game called Alter Cube. It was released on amazon on August 09.

Before I named my game alter cube, I had named it Cube Land when I released it on Kongregate. However, there is a multiplayer game called Cube Land. As a result, I decided to change the name. Now before I made up my mind and named this game Alter Cube, I searched on google. Fortunately, there are no games with this name. I was so excited since this name suits this game mechanic really well, in my opinion.

And today I got information that, again, this time, it's the name of the studio. And I can tell, they are not happy with me using the name "Alter Cube" for my game.

This game was released on Amazon, and SlideMe. It's been shared quite a lot through facebook, twitter, and a couple of forums.

So I was wondering, is it wrong for me to use that name when a studio named exactly the same?

 

What I usually do before starting a company up or finding a title for my next game, is simply google the name I have in mind and see what comes up.

I wouldn't say it's wrong per se, just lack of foresight on your part. If they press the issue and threaten action of some sort it's probably best you change the name of the game, as its a lot easier than changing a company.

 

It can be rough at times - you get those nifty C&D letters from the attorney for the other party. Back when I was getting started with D20 products (D20, AD&D, etc, etc) - I was running as Gamewerkz. It was a somewhat orky play on words. I was happy with it. Unfortunately, Sega was not happy. I had never heard of Gameworks (I lived in a Dave Buster's state). Mea culpa and all that at the time...meh.

Given that they're talking about you on Twitter... http://twitter.com/altercube

I'd agree about it probably being best to change the name.

 

alter qube
alter kube
alter box
alter squared
alter block
mod cube

 

I wouldn't change your game's name.

On their twitter they don't seem to be angry. Reach out to them. Talk to them about how at first you had never heard of them, but that you're sorry for the confusion the game is causing. Tell them that this is kind of funny and could work out well for both of you. A sort of cross advertising adventure.

A Game name, and a Company name are totally different and legally I would think you are safe.

 

If your product isn't too close to the kind of industry that a competitor is in, it isn't as much of an issue, unless their brand is really strong. Like if someone were seller alter cube underpants that was not game related and you were selling an alter cube game then it isnt exactly an overlap of interests. But if they are a game studio then I'd think that's too close.

 

Thx for all of ur response! I will discuss with them tomorrow. And hopefully we come to a great conclusion.

 

I believe they create application and game as well.