Lucasfilm Trademark Hints at New Star Wars Property
In a new trademark filing last week, Lucasfilm registered a new Star Wars title, naturally setting [...]
In a new trademark filing last week, Lucasfilm registered a new Star Wars title, naturally setting off speculation amongst fans. Spotted in the US Patent and Trademark database by TheStarWarsPost (as they first posted on twitter), a trademark registered on February 23, 2017 by Lucasfilm Ltd. reads "Star Wars: Rivals," a previously unknown and unused title. With anticipation for Star Wars: The Last Jedi at a fever pitch as it leads the pack in ComicBook.com's anticipation rankings for all movies, and Star Wars Rebels is ramping up to the major guest appearance of Obi-Wan Kenobi, fans are ever-anxious for what's coming next.
While StarWarsPost and some other fans immediately went to the idea of a new animated series, sparked by recent rumors of another series in development thanks to Dave Filoni's promotion to executive in charge of animation development and comments by other Disney execs, it doesn't look like that's the case for Star Wars: Rivals. The trademark is split in two entries. The first is for "Education and entertainment services," which instantly makes it sound like it's videogame related. The second is more extensive, but is an exact duplicate of the trademark for the most recent Star Wars mobile game release, Star Wars: Force Arena.
"IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: Apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; audio books; audio recordings; audio and visual recordings; video game software; computer programs and software; downloadable electronic publications; downloadable game software; downloadable mobile applications; consumer electronics and accessories therefor; eyeglasses and sunglasses and accessories therefor; binoculars; decorative magnets; graduated rulers; microphones; helmets; flotation vests; protective face masks not for medical purposes; snorkels; swimming goggles; swim masks," it reads.
That means Star Wars: Rivals is almost certainly an upcoming mobile game currently in development. With Star Wars Celebration around the corner in April, followed by May the 4th and the 40th Anniversary in May and E3 in June, there are plenty of opportunities upcoming for new games to be announced, so look for a confirmation in one of those three spring months.
As for other interesting trademarks, the "Star Wars Forces of Destiny" trademark that surfaced early in December is still there and live, and is much more extensive, with five separate listings. That could still be something more - originally it was speculated as an episode title for one of the Saga films, but it does also include the IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038 entry as one of the five, so it's likely also for a game (or at least for a game, in addition to other products). Fans can also keep hope alive that the comedy series from the creators of Robot Chicken, Star Wars Detours could still see the light of day - the trademark is still "Live" in status, and was renewed after Lucasfilm was purchased by Disney.
One thing's for sure, the Star Wars franchise is alive and well, with more to come as it continues to expand. Celebration should be positively packed with news.
More Star Wars News:
Surprising Indiana Jones, Force Awakens, and Revenge of the Sith Easter Eggs in Star Wars Rebels
Will Luke Skywalker's Post-Return of the Jedi Story Be Told in The Last Jedi?
Han Solo: 5 Things You May Not Know About the Star Wars Rogue
