But that requires trademarking the name. Unlike copyright you don’t get that for free by law it cost a ton of money to get an international trademark.
SynonymousStoat@lemmy.world 4 days ago
You could maybe make a trademark complaint against them if you have been using the name of your game publically before they have, which from your steam page already existing I would assume you’ve been using it publicly for at least a little while now. As to how you would go about making such a complaint, I don’t know what to do other than talking with a lawyer if Steam doesn’t have any sort of option. This all assumes you live in the USA, if you’re in another country different options may or may not exist.
SkunkWorkz@lemmy.world 4 days ago
SynonymousStoat@lemmy.world 4 days ago
In the US you have some protections automatically just by using the name publically. Of course you’d have a much stronger case if you have it registered, but I have a feeling with a name this specific it would be a little easier especially given that the product is incredibly similar as well. Technically the trademark could still be registered and you may even have to provide evidence that you were using the name at an earlier date, which the steam page would help a lot with.
toofpic@lemmy.world 4 days ago
The trademark question is the strongest - the name can absolutely be protected, especially if there are multiple timestamps everywhere (you posting about it, git, steam, your assets with the game’s name, whatever).
If your game was in some developer’s area on Steam for a long time, just go and write to them right now, explaining the stolen name situation. If it’s not like this, the name issue can be resolved in court in your favour, and you have a case.
But speaking of the game mechanics, story, or anything like that, it’s hard or impossible to prove anything, so you can only rely on your game being better and attracting more people. You do what you do, and the “thief” will give up eventuallyRoad_Warrior_10@lemmy.world 4 days ago
Thank you! Yeah I don’t think I have the right to complain about similar gameplay. Let them do what they do, It was just interesting how similar it sounds, but having the exact same name is a problem. I was just in an indie fest and someone might see my trailer but then find their game instead. This is the part that I don’t like
toofpic@lemmy.world 4 days ago
I mean, large software developers are fighting over game mechanics, but they have salaried legal teams, and general need to “not look weak” in terms of protecting their IP. On your scale, I would only take sure-shots, such as protecting your IP’s name on basis of using it long before someone else.
Just in case, I’m not a legal specialist, but I have some general knowledge on this (some from uni, some from working in marketing agencies who create and develop brands, naming, copy, for others)
Road_Warrior_10@lemmy.world 4 days ago
I love in Europe and the other guy, by his accent in his game trailer is in the USA
SynonymousStoat@lemmy.world 4 days ago
I don’t like assuming everyone lives in the USA, but it’s laws are the only ones I have had any real exposure to. Sorry my advice isn’t more helpful.
insomniac_lemon@lemmy.cafe 4 days ago
Not a lawyer, but if you put the name into wikipedia it redirects to the historical event both games are based on. It’s a generic name, I can’t imagine a side being picked here (both change or neither change).