Sony Loses Attempt To Trademark 'Let’s Play'

By Beverly Linao | Jan 29, 2016 09:14 PM EST

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Sony can't trademark the term 'Let's Play', according to the US Patent and Trademark. It will remain public domain. The term has been used by many YouTube video blogs. It is said to "denote a playthrough of a video game and it does not necessarily belong to anyone."

It has been weeks since Sony Computer Entertainment America made attempts to trademark one of the most used phrases, especially in the gaming industry. They were trying to trademark the phrase 'Let's Play'. This term has been used a countless of times "across the Internet to describe video footage of ordinary people playing games." Plus, it has nothing to do with Sony.

The US Patent and Trademark Office, according to Metro, has told the company not to be so silly. "Well, probably not those exact words but they did point out that someone has already trademarked the term LP LET'Z PLAY."

The McArthur Law Firm, the firm that sent the USPTO a letter of protest, cited a number of examples - at least 50 - wherein people used the term Let's Play. The law firm also cited "the Wikipedia page for the concept and /r/letsplay on Reddit."


'The previous "rejection", widely misreported a few weeks ago, was in reality just a minor nuisance to Sony, said the law firm. 'This rejection is far more lethal to Sony's trademark application.'

Sony has until the June 29 of this year to provide a counter argument to the recent rejection. They also have until this time to explain why they should be granted the trademark. Even with this date still far-fetched, The McArthur Law Firm is positive that Sony will never be granted with the trademark. 'Given the strength of this evidence, we are confident that Sony will not be able to overcome this rejection. The term "Let's Play" is now forever in the public domain.'

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