The application’s just been filed; it hasn’t been assigned to an examiner yet. Standard trademark filing, covering “Drum Hero” for use in all video games.

Now, just because they filed a trademark doesn’t mean this is a project in development. They could just be moving to protect the “Hero” franchise, pairing that word and its synonyms with all sorts of instruments just to be on the safe side. So be on the lookout for Sousaphone Hero, Gutbucket Paladin, and Banjo Myrmidon.

Activision ‘Drumming’ Up New Hero Game [PlayStation Lifestyle via Hot Blooded Gaming, thanks Troy A.]

Mobigame rebranded the game in the United States and United Kingdom markets specifically to neutralise any claim Tim Langdell’s Edge Games—notorious for challenging any use of the word “Edge” by video game developers—might make against the game. A news release from Mobigame stressed that no agreement or settlement had been reached with Langdell.

The game was originally available as EDGE on the App Store in the US and UK from March to about May. Its takedown was largely attributed to Langdell, although he says Mobigame itself asked Apple to remove the application in light of the legal dispute.

“We renamed to ‘Edge by Mobigame’ for the US and the UK market only to have the approval from Apple (and we have it now),” Mobigame’s David Papazian told Kotaku. “On the legal side, he cannot claim anything against ‘Edge by Mobigame’ and Apple knows that, so we hope everything will be alright now.”

Papazian expressed confidence that Electronic Arts will prevail in its recent appeal for the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel five Edge-related trademarks held by Langdell, on grounds they both have been abandoned and were fraudulently obtained. EA’s suit arises from a dispute over its 2008 title “Mirror’s Edge.” Langdell vehemently disputes EA’s claims.

He’s the creator of Prince of Persia, that’s who.

We’re not sure if this latest trademark is a game or some sort of tie-in for the upcoming movie Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Besides making games, Mechner busies himself by writing graphic novels, directing documentaries and penning screenplays.

Latest Status Info [Tarr.gov via superannuation via Game centre Online]

Take this message from Infinity Ward “creative strategist” Robert Bowling, posted to his well-followed Twitter account earlier today: “First round of meetings in Paris wrapped. Grabbing lunch with Xavier Gens, director of the Hitman film while in town. Talking game films.” Sure, Bowling and Gens may merely be enjoying a social call. Or maybe they’re talking about turning the narrative of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series into a feature film.

Parent company Activision just recently filed for new trademarks related to the Call of Duty franchise, protecting the mark against “Pre-recorded movies featuring comedy, drama, action, adventure, music, theatrical performances and/or animation.” Honestly, not making Call of Duty into a film, direct to DVD animated feature, or CGI something would be foolishly leaving money on the table.

And it may be reflective of a larger trend at Activision, who also recently filed similar trademarks for Guitar Hero and Singularity. The latter we can understand, as it’s story driven. But Guitar Hero? Certainly no one would think that was an idea worth doing.

Oh, wait.

FourZeroTwo [Twitter]

The filing covers “computer game and video game software”, for “operating a real-time game for others over global and local area computer networks”. Complete and total conjecture here, but could it be something along the lines of 1 vs. 100, for the PSN?

TV Superstars [USPTO via Siliconera]

Noted USPTO watcher Superannuation first caught the filing, listed last Friday.

Doesn’t mean they’re gonna make a fangbanger video game, they might just be moving in to protect something. But hell, if Dexter can get a game on the iPhone, why not?

It’s a barebones filing. Nothing else revealed about plans, no devs mentioned, no other titles.

HBO Files True Blood Trademark [Superannuation via Joystiq]

Siliconera noticed the filing and has few details other than the words involved. They do, however, note that “The Last Story” is registered in Japan, albeit with English words. “Nintendo usually files names for upcoming games in Japanese… unless the name is tied to an international release. For instance, Nintendo registered the rights for Glory of Hercules in English a few months before they made an official announcement.”

Whatever this game is, ‘The Last Story” means a total blank to me. Could be an adventure title for the core. Could be a licensed tie-in for the kids. What do you think Nintendo’s “Last Story” should be?

What is Nintendo’s ‘Last Story?’ [Siliconera via Go Nintendo]

The Prey trademark was assigned to ZeniMax Media in July by The Radar Group, which acquired it from Apogee the previous month. Superannuation discovered the trademark change-of-hands along with two new trademark applications submitted by ZeniMax regarding the Prey property, specifically for:

Entertainment services in the nature of an on-going television program in the field of science fiction; Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line interactive computer games and providing information relating to electronic computer games via the internet

as well as:

Computer and video game user instruction manuals; magazines, books, and pamphlets concerning video games; computer and video game strategy guide books and magazines; graphic novels, novels, and comic books, all in the fields of video games and science fiction

Now what would ZeniMax want with a solid if a bit under-performing first-person shooter IP?

Trademark Assignment [Superannuation via Actiontrip]

Silicon Xtal Corporation, an integrated circuit and passive component manufacturer, has filed for the SexBox trademark for a “Video Gaming System Console comprised of computer hardware with unique user controls which plays interactive Adult Only rated (AO) video game software titles.” Considering there’s not much in the way of AO rated titles, we’re thankful for its other proposed capabilities.

According to the trademark filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office, dug up by Siliconera, the SexBox would have “proprietary software and firmware that provides access to associated AO content and entertainment in all other digital forms.”

By that, they mean “audio, video, HDTV, DVD, online, gaming, social networking, webcams, video on demand, downloading, movie rentals, purchases, stores, advertising, interactive adult communities, massive multiplayer online games and emerging markets in one or any combination of these and more as technology evolves.” Basically every digital avenue through which one can enjoy porn.

That “console” may also let players enjoy ultra-violent fare like Manhunt 2, but I’m guessing that’s not really the point.

Despite the headline, we’ll be somewhat surprised if a SexBox is actually ever released, especially in any form resembling a “console” and without a lawsuit from Microsoft. But we’re checking in with the folks at SXC to see if we can get official confirmation and to see if they have any loaners.

SexBox [USPTO via Siliconera]

It’s essentially a soft (rubber? foam?) football with holes in it, that you stick the Wii Remote and Wii Nunchuk into. For football games. Then you slide your hand under the ball’s handle and…make throwing actions. Or…hand-off actions. Or…maybe snapping the ball (wouldn’t a rugby ball have at least been more versatile?).

And that’s it! Now it’s time to look at the silly pictures, say something snide about Nintendo then try and imagine the guy at the office who thought this was not only a good idea, but so good that it had to be patented.

Nintendo Developing A Squishy Football Controller [Siliconera]