"They didn't create the word, and it's in general use, so they have no more right to trademark it then anyone else."

And Apple Computers came up with the word Apple, I guess?

Raring

@Zeouterlimits:Quiet you, I'm just cynical is all, not cynical and well researched. Also, you know my computers, I've never had the hardware which would require benchmarking. Unless of course I set out to disappoint myself from the start...

MajorMcMuffin

Yeah, I have a feeling they'll get told where to go by the Patent office. If they don't, then I lose faith in the common sense of said office... They didn't create the word, and it's in general use, so they have no more right to trademark it then anyone else.

Also, my favourite t-shirt of the moment is cell shaded Link swinging his sword with the caption 'pwnage'. Would I have to stop wearing it? It's the only gaming t shirt I have that fits me properly... and it's so cute.

Till-Troll

It would be interesting if the internet itself could trademark something. So, for example, if anyone tried to use "Pwnage" in a non-internet enabled medium (such as a book or tv show) then the producers would be forced to pay a tax to the internet. Then we could come up with a system where everyone that ever used the word "pwnage" would get a certain cut of the settlement. Sort of like a collective trademark, because it would be almost impossible to determine who started it.

cybereality

None of the staff's posts or comments above indicate any understanding of intellectual property. A trademark for the word pwned wouldn't even prevent the usage of the 'word' pwned. If pwned.com is a commercial site, then the application for the mark wouldn't be successful anyway.

Raring

These guys should trademark "stupid." They'd have a better shot of being awarded that one.

Machines

@MajorMcMuffin: Futuremark make the 3D benchmarking software. It's pretty famous.

Zeouterlimits

Solution: Get Oxford to recognize "Pwned" as an actual word and everyone's happy.
Futuremark don't need to worry about getting sued for using a word and the internet wins another fight in its battle against the English language.

tehFluffz

My only question is...

If one used the "pwned" trademark term ironically, are they still liable? I mean, that's the only way me and my friends use it.

Currently, it's all about "IDYM" (I drink your milkshake) but since everyone has hopped on that bandwagon, we're going to have to figure out something else.

In my opinion, the minute t-shirts start being made with a catchphrase or an in-joke... it's neither cool nor un-tool-like to use.

Personally, I'm going to start using "Bon Jovied". As in "I just wicked Bon Jovied your ass."

Evil J

Only tools say pwned-- wait, anyone who still says any variation of that word is a tool.

NoBullet

i got it....how about EL KAPWNED!!! *guitar*

Raziel3333

@AssassinXaero:
Actually "E!" is a trademark of the E! Channel.

Again, grow up of the "They are taking my woooordsss!!" .. I don't know what is more stupid.

Ludwig

@PsycheDiver: Nah, it's been sad for quite a while now. At this point it's just pathetic. I dont know if I should even take this issue seriously. It's ridiculous.

dgonchild

This is getting a little sad.

PsycheDiver

Thanks for posting our news. Reading the comments not sure what we are to do. We never felt the need to TM PWNED or PWNAGE as we didn't create the word. We also have money vested in our site and future and to have Futuremark do this we are looking into protecting ourselves.

BlueWolf72
www.PWNED.com

BlueWolf72

I guess someday well have an "word account", you know: "deposit 50 bucks or shut up!". Just imagine the day you'll say something like this: "What™ a™ boring™ day™ ...™ "

goliathvv

So... how long before someone trademarks the letter "e"?

AssassinXaero

@MajorMcMuffin: Don't forget "pwnz" and "pwnzing".

Evil Tortie's Mom

@pixelacious: A bit extreme, you think? This is all silly, and when you think about it, had you heard about Futuremark before now? I hadn't. Anyway, I love a good ol' bandwagon so I am trademarking "pwn" and by extension all variations on "pwn" including, but not limited to "pwned" "pwnage" "pwner" "pwnerer" and "pwning". My trademark will cover all recorded media etc. etc.

Just need to found a lawyer who'll take me seriously, I'll start at Futuremark's law firm.

MajorMcMuffin

oh yes?? well I'll trademark the word potty ... and they'll all have to pay me to go.

I was thinking of trademarking the word stupid... but then how would all the world describe these companies?

bunch.of.wackos

What a pile of BS, someone should organize a boycott of Futuremark in protest.

pixelacious

I think I my have to trademark the word "Future"...it is simply to protect myself from possible misuse by Future games...they will need to cease all use of the word Future or face legal action.

gaiking

@Fallen_Reality: What show is that from?

They did it for fun, because they wanted to pwn the pwners.

Trowble (XBL/PSN)

But I own pwn3d.com, should I be worried too?!

strang

You're fired.

Thrillhaus

Pure Pwnage replied a few days ago too.

[www.purepwnage.com]

Dyson

well guess it's time to sploge some on my peers.

hmm...that don't sound the same anymore...

D:

Onizuka-GTO

The shining stupidity that is IP laws strikes again.

The Amazing Exploding-Man

Webster is rolling in his grave.

Crusoe

Intellectual Property (IP) trolls like this are even more annoying than when people on this site go onto Halo stories/threads just to grace those of us (who are truly interested) with a "Halo Sux" comment.

RonJeremy4Pres

It's like when Paris got exclusive rights to "That's hot" but way more retarded (I ashamed that I am able to say that).

gamadaya

PWND is so "new millenium"

Altima NEO

@Cell9song:

Sounds like fun times to me!

dead_red_eyes

Black people always used to say, "I'm in the house" instead of "I'm here." But then white people all started to say "in the house" so we switched it to "in the hizzouse." Hizzouse became hizzizzouse, and then white folk started saying that, and we had to change it to hizzie, then "in the hizzle" which we had to change to "hizzle fo shizzle," and now, because white people say "hizzle fo shizzle," we have to say "flippity floppity floop."

(^-^)
Favorite episode.

Fallen_Reality

I propose a day where we all arm ourselves with gasoline filled super soakers, kick in the door of every copyright/trial/personal injury/entertainment lawyer, hose them down and strike some matches.

Cell9song

or what about ZOMG?

jmote

wow... this is dumb.
I'm going to trademark "awesome" next... since that is a great word too.

jmote

@Saxboy: I like it, i hope it catches on.

Gladman

I wonder if I can trademark the words "cool" and "the."

aribus

I thought owned was a bit overused and getting kind of stupid. But pwned? That was always fucking stupid. From the first time someone ever decided to purposely replace that o with a p. Jesus. If someone wants to claim it for themselves, I say let them. Hopefully then I won't have to hear people use it as much. So annoying.

baked ham

I remember when i moved here from Kansas about 2,000 no gamers here had heard of pwned before, and at first were offended that i used it at gaming partys, they soon caught on. The teacers at school however tred to send many people to the princiapls office for saying the were going to "poon" someone. lol.

Sinnbox

They would have to present evidence that they used/popularized the word, which is flat out impossible. I don't remember a single futuremark product where pwned, pwnage, or anything else of the type was even mentioned. This trademark wont get approved, and I hope it hurts sales of all their future products. Fuckers.

Sovnade

Boom, intentional death causing head wound! I just hope they don't trademark headshot :(

rospaya

@Nisori: Well said.

AndrewDB

I want to ask my girlfriend about this, who is an IP lawyer, but honestly I'm kind of embarrassed.

Lono

Pwned hasn't been a 'cool' term for a few years now. This whole trademark debacle has gone from idiocy to retardation.

Nisori

Maybe they should trademark the word lame also

BLiNk

@Saxboy: lol I see that you did there...

VakeroRokero

I say we just find a new word.

Here that Pwned.com? You just got BLAMMOED!

Saxboy

no, you go, Ka-Pwned! now.

mentalboy11

So I guess we will just have to go back to saying owned and ownage?

Tzero7