sony Challenges “Naughty cat” Trademark, Claiming Similarity to “Naughty Dog”
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The tech giant argues that the names are too alike, potentially causing consumer confusion.
By Amelia Hernandez | SAN FRANCISCO – 2025/09/01 09:57:52
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Sony is contesting naughty Cat’s trademark submission, asserting that it bears too much resemblance to their established “Naughty Dog” trademark. According to documents reviewed by IGN, Sony’s argument hinges on the claim that the “Naughty Cat trademark is ‘confusingly similar to the Naughty Dog trademark’ it owns in overall commercial impression and connotation.”
While Sony doesn’t possess a trademark for the word “naughty” alone-a common practice sence the US Patent and Trademark office mandates that trademarks must “indicate the source of your goods and services”-they argue that the combination is too close for comfort.
Sony’s legal filing states, “The first, dominant element of the two marks, NAUGHTY, is identical.”
“The Naughty Cat trademark is ‘confusingly similar to the Naughty Dog trademark’ it owns in overall commercial impression and connotation.”
The company further argues, “The second elements, DOG and CAT, are highly similar in that both refer to house pets and are likely to mislead consumers into believing, mistakenly, that Naughty Cat is affiliated with SIE [Sony Interactive Entertainment] and/or Naughty dog or that its goods are licensed or approved by SIE and/or Naughty Dog.”
impact on Gamers
The legal battle may seem unusual, and its direct impact on gamers is likely minimal.
Even if Sony prevails, the practical consequences for players are expected to be negligible. Most users of Naughty Cat’s games, such as Cash Trip: Solitaire & Bingo and Bubble Bravo – win Real Cash, may not even recognize the developer’s name. A potential name change would likely go unnoticed by the majority.
Sony’s argument that using “naughty” before an animal name creates excessive similarity is viewed by some as an overreach. The distinction between cats and dogs is widely understood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a symbol, design, or phrase legally registered to represent a company or product.
Why do companies trademark their names?
To protect their brand identity and prevent consumer confusion.
What happens in a trademark dispute?
The plaintiff must demonstrate a likelihood of confusion between the two trademarks.
