Copyright issues often come up in the anime community because there is a lot of pirated content. We have seen people get sued for running pirated manga websites, and Japan has even made strict cosplay rules to protect anime series. But sometimes, it’s hard to sue for copyright, like when someone used AI to steal Genshin Impact’s art and didn’t take responsibility. One anime that is free from copyright claims is Gintama, which recently released an opening just like One Piece’s first opening. While Gintama seems to be safe from such issues, other franchises have not been so lucky, with the “Monster” Energy Drink Company now targeting anything containing the word “Monster.”
Lately, the “Monster” Energy Drink Company has been filing trademark claims against anything with the word “Monster” in it. They started by going after Pokemon and now have targeted the “Monster Musume” anime series.
A few weeks ago, “Monster” Energy Drink Company started their hunting campaign of filing anything with copyright claims with the word “Monster” in Japan. It started with first filing trademark claims against the Pokemon (Pocket Monsters) games like “Pokemon X and Y” and “Pokemon Sun and Moon“. Recently, two more companies faced claims: Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals and Monster Strike. Monster Strike was even charged for their “Monster Nuts” candy.
“Monster Musume” Trademark Claims
After Pokemon, it was the turn of “Monster Musume: Everyday Life With Monster Girls“. The “Monster” Energy Drink Company filed trademark claims against this anime series and wants it to change its name. The Energy Drink Company looks to ban this anime series in Japan and worldwide as it has used the word “Monster” in it. The Energy Drink Company is even opposed to the use of trademark on the merchandise the anime series has, like body pillows, anime figurines and other stuff!
Did the companies get charged for Trademark Claims?
Interestingly, the Japan Patent Office (JPO) denied all the claims filed by the “Monster” Energy Drink Company. The JPO manages patents and logos in Japan and gives legal permission for them. Despite their claims being denied, the Energy Drink Company continues to go after anything with the “Monster” in it.
Why File These Trademark Claims?
According to the “Monster” Energy Drink Company, using the word “Monster” in other companies’ brand names could confuse consumers. So, they want all the companies and media to stop using that world so that people can drink “Monster” Energy drinks without any confusion.
Ironically, when “Monster” Energy Drink Company first entered Japan, they tried filing a complaint under their “M” logo. This was instantly rejected because a company with a similar logo to Monster was already present in Japan. The original “Monster” company was advised to change their logo before returning. So, they had to change their logo and enter Japan with this Trademark Claim Hunting Plan.
It is worth noting that the Toronto Raptors logo is also facing a trademark dispute in the United States initiated by the Monster Energy Company. The Monster Energy Company has raised objections to the trademark registration of the Toronto Raptors logo, arguing that consumers might be misled into believing an economic relationship exists between the two parties.
Final Thoughts
The “Monster” Energy Drink Company seems to be just trying to get attention, even though they already have plenty. It’s sad to see them file copyright claims against anime series, games, and other things. As a big company, they have power, and we don’t know how long this situation will last. We can only hope for the best.
Monster Musume: Everyday Life With Monster Girls
“Monster Musume” follows Kimihito Kurusu, a young man who becomes the host of several beautiful monster girls who are attracted to him. These girls, including Miia the lamia, Papi the harpy, and Centorea the centaur, all have their unique quirks and personalities that make living with them both exciting and challenging. As Kimihito tries to navigate this new lifestyle, he must also deal with the cultural differences and societal pressures that come with having monster girls as roommates. Will he be able to live a normal life with these other species?
What do you think about this? Is the “Monster” Energy Drink Company doing the right thing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!