Mojang and Zenimax Settle the Scrolls Lawsuit

After a long drawn out process, the nail is finally in the coffin of the Scrolls lawsuit. After a few Twitter updates from some of the Mojang team at the weekend, ZeniMax revealed today that it has been settled. The lawsuit was filed by Zenimax after Mojang applyed for ownership of the “Scrolls” trademark in video games and “other media”. ZeniMax – for some reason – thought this would conflict with their fantasy RPG series, The Elder Scrolls, which is obviously developed and published by ZeniMax owned Bethesda.

The actual settlement transfers all ownership of “Scrolls” to ZeniMax. ZeniMax have licensed the use of the name to Mojang for their digital card game and any additional content for that game. No sequels though, no no no. Mojang are only allowed use the name “Scrolls” for this game, and this game only.

Robert Altman, the Chairman and CEO of ZeniMax said, “We are pleased to have settled this matter with Mojang amicably… The Elder Scrolls is an important brand to us, and with this settlement we were able to protect our valuable property rights while allowing Mojang to release their digital card game under the name they preferred.”

Really? Would anybody have been confused between the two titles? I know that was an original complaint from ZeniMax before the suit was filed. Everyone knows what The Elder Scrolls is. It is one of the biggest franchises in the history of video games, and also currently with the success of Skyrim. Regardless, I’m sure both parties are happy to have this behind them. Although, Notch’s idea on how to settle the whole thing sounded like much more fun.