Keep Monster Energy from owning "Monster"

Monster Energy is a notorious trademark bully. Our trademark filing for Monsters & Mortals has, unfortunately, caught their attention and is currently being opposed by them. Simply because it contains the word "Monsters". Monster Energy claims ownership of that word (and variations) and claims that this makes the Monsters & Mortals mark confusingly similar to their energy drink brand.

When we tried to settle with them, they gave us overreaching terms and refused to negotiate. Rather than roll over, we have chosen to fight them. Nobody owns the word "monster". Now the legal battle begins. The fight has two phases. The first phase is with the USPTO. Since this phase does not take place in court, there are no monetary damages awarded to either party for the judgment. This means that even if the USPTO judgment sides with us against Monster Energy, they do not have to repay us for any of the legal expenses we incur as a result of their opposition. On top of that, Monster Energy can still appeal and take the case to court and drag things out even longer (for years). That would be the 2nd round of legal expenses that we will have to bear to fight them. Even in court, they can appeal the judgment once at each court level. This is how they break most small companies and force them to settle as they cannot afford the expenses required.

While we can afford it, this puts a considerable financial strain on us as well, which is why we are turning to the gaming community for support. Unless Monster Energy drops its opposition, it will be a long legal battle. We are already on the hook for $35,000 just for the USPTO phase. By the end, it could easily surpass $100,000 in expenses or more. Monster Energy has Coca-Cola as a part owner and very deep pockets. We are a small indie game studio. Anything & everything helps.