Kris Ford said there’s been ”no meaningful dialogue engaged” with Ubisoft. He called the UK release announcement ”interesting but no surprise” - it’s ”presumptive to say the least”.
Currently the trademark battle will take another two or three months to be settled, revealed Kris Ford, but Ubisoft obviously expect victory with their UK announcement.
”I’d recently discovered information indicating a late summer release,” Ford told Eurogamer. ”However, with the OHIM (European) proceedings over the disputed trademark set to last for at least another two to three months (May/June), it’s a bit presumptive to say the least, as to the outcome of that process and decision.”
Rocksmith launched in the US ”in the face of a still ongoing duplicated trademark dispute”.
”It is simply and typically indicative of the French behemoth’s attitude,” he added. ”Even if Ubisoft lose with the OHIM process, they could still launch as per the US, which will mean the start of a different kind of legal battle in the UK courts. In the absence of honour, ethics and fair play, we have to rely on the legal processes for a fair resolution.””
Kris Ford’s birthday isn’t far off September 14th - the UK release date. ”Either way I shall look upon it as a present, especially as it should stop the malicious and threatening abuse from dim witted potential Ubisoft customers,” he said.
”I am genuinely pleased for the gamers/musicians who have been frustrated by the delay caused by Ubisoft’s decision making.” He couldn’t let this go without a jibe: ”It’s also quite close to the anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. I’ll be hoping to celebrate another English victory.”
Ubisoft confirms there’s a legal ruckus going on but remains in PR mode.
”We confirm that there is a band based in the United Kingdom that uses the claims trademark rights on the name Rocksmith and that has filed a complaint regarding our request to trademark the name for a video game,” they said.
”The issue is now with the trademark office and we will respect their handling of the issue and have responded, as required, via the trademark office. We are looking forward to bringing Rocksmith, which has already seen success in North America, to a European audience.”
Rocksmith releases on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC September 14th in the UK, if Ubisoft win the trademark ruling.
