How we crushed a gaming giant
The full story of how we defeated Rockstar Games in a landmark trademark dispute—and what it means for small businesses standing up to billion-dollar bullies.
When Rockstar Games came knocking
We filed a trademark application for BROCKSTAR MEDIA (Serial No. 98060411) — a brand built to help small businesses win online with bold, rebellious digital tools.
On November 27, 2024, Take-Two Interactive, parent company of Rockstar Games (the multibillion-dollar force behind Grand Theft Auto), filed a Notice of Opposition through their powerhouse firm Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. Their claim? That our small business’s mark was "confusingly similar" to theirs.
Trademark opposition No. 91295390
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) assigned Opposition Number 91295390. What followed was a seven-month proceeding that tested our grit, our branding, and the limits of trademark law itself.
Their firm deployed every intimidation tactic:
- Frivolous extensions and delay tactics
- Attempts to dilute our brand name
- Attempts to box in fair use rights for real entrepreneurs
But we didn’t back down. We countered with evidence of distinct branding, non-overlapping markets, a clean filing, no consumer confusion, and years of peaceful co-existence.
TTAB ruling: BrockStar wins
Take-Two moved to withdraw. On June 27, 2025 the Board dismissed the opposition with prejudice, which means it cannot be brought again, and BROCKSTAR MEDIA registered on July 22, 2025 (Reg. No. 7,870,392).
Their billion-dollar war chest didn’t decide it. The record did.
What this means for small businesses
This wasn’t just a win for us. It’s a warning shot to trademark bullies who weaponize IP law to suffocate emerging brands.
The book: BROCKSTAR vs ROCKSTAR
The whole case is now a book. BROCKSTAR vs ROCKSTAR: A Fight Against Corporate Trademark Bullies (paperback, 266 pages, October 30, 2026) tells the fight in order, quoting the emails, then teaches the process: how to read an opponent’s portfolio, how to answer a Notice of Opposition on time, counterclaims and petitions to cancel, discovery and proof. More than 400 footnotes, eight email exhibits, templates and a 47-term glossary.
Separately, our research into Rockstar’s own filings continues:
- Serious procedural errors in Rockstar’s trademark renewals
- Multiple filings show potential misrepresentation or abandonment
- Considering a Petition to Cancel the “Rockstar” mark on grounds of fraud, abandonment, and prejudice
Lessons from the battlefield
- File your trademark early
- Document brand usage from day one
- Don’t let billion-dollar lawyers scare you
- Use TTABVUE to track similar cases
- Consider pro bono IP clinics or legal collectives like Public Citizen or EFF
Final word: we didn’t just win a name — we proved a point
Our name is BrockStar. We’re here to help the little guy punch back — with code, branding, and the law on your side.