Nintendo of America recently filed for a brand new Eternal Darkness trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which has led to speculation that the publisher might be looking to do something new with the classic GameCube title.
As discovered by NeoGAF user “Rösti“, the new Eternal Darkness trademark (serial number 86017853) was filed with the USPTO on July 23, 2013. In general, the new mark is very similar to Nintendo’s prior trademark for the intellectual property (serial number 77932350), however, there are a few key differences. Specifically, the 2010 mark notes in the “Goods and Services” section that it will be used for “electronic game programs; electronic game software.” The new filing contains the exact same language, but adds the word “downloadable” before each of those description.
It is important to note that the 2010 trademark was granted its fifth extension in December 2012, so the new filing could be nothing more than Nintendo taking steps to extend their ownership over the IP. It is also possible that the new filing has been updated as a way to protect against any potential infringement from Precursor Games’ Shadow of the Eternals project.
Obviously, the more exciting speculated uses for the new Eternal Darkness trademark include a future Virtual Console release on the Wii U (preferably of the HD variety), or an official sequel. Either of which would be welcomed with open arms by more than a few of the WGTC gaming staff.
We will keep our eyes open for any official word from Nintendo on what is going on with Eternal Darkness, and let you know if anything pops up. In the meantime, make sure to let us know your thoughts on the new trademark in the comments below.
