Mad Box Console Drops Trademark Application, Likely Seeking New Name

It appears that the "Mad Box" console from Project CARS developer Slightly Mad is going to need to find a different name. Following a trademark dispute, the studio has withdrawn the application.

PC Games Insider reports that on January 3, 2019, the studio filed a trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), but a French casual games company called "Madbox" filed opposition to the trademark on March 25. It cited "likelihood of confusion on the part of the public," and Slightly Mad subsequently withdrew its application on April 5.

That doesn't necessarily mean the Mad Box is dead, but it will likely need to find a new name and start the trademark registration process anew. It could also have an impact on the slogan contest announced by studio head Ian Bell, who promised $10,000 and free games for life to the winner. Any entries that used the prior name will likely need to be resubmitted if the name changes.

Earlier this year, Bell showed off some potential designs for the console. We still know very little about the Mad Box--or whatever it's destined to be called now--other than Bell's word that it will be the "most powerful console ever built." That boast comes with some big promises like 120 FPS in virtual reality, and a price point in the realm of current consoles. He has conceded that it's still in development, though, and likely three years away from coming to market. By then it could face competition from the next generation of consoles--especially as Sony is already outlining its next-generation plans.