A few days ago, Monster Energy went after indie developer Glowstick Entertainment for its game Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals, due to its use of the word 'Monsters'. We also know that Monster Energy took action against Ubisoft in 2020 over Immortals Fenyx Rising's original name, Gods and Monsters, which was obviously changed. It doesn't end there.It has come to light that Monster Energy reportedly tried to take on Pokemon (AKA Pocket Monsters) and Monster Hunter for their use of the word 'monster'.This is according to the Japanese news site Automaton Media, which says that "The rights holder of 'Monster Energy' filed a large number of trademark registration objections such as 'Pokemon' and 'Monster Hunter' in the past". This was because Monster did not want its brand to be confused with either game, in particular, Monster Hunter X, Pokemon X and Y, and Pokemon Sun and Moon.
The Japan Patent Office (JPO) ultimately ruled that "there is no risk of causing confusion as to the origin of the product" and concluded that both parties would maintain their trademarks. That means Monster Energy remains just that, as does Monster Hunter and Pokemon which is actually older than Monster Energy. It was created in 2002, whereas Pokemon Red, Green, and Blue launched in 1996.
However, Monster Energy's history of trying to claim the word 'Monster' over other games doesn't end there. It also reportedly went after a mobile title called Monster Strike, an RPG puzzle game from developer MIXI Inc and former Capcom designer Yoshiki Okamoto. However, this game is still operating under the title 'Monster Strike', not losing an integral part of its branding.
Aside from that, Automaton Media claims that Monster Energy even went after the NBA team Toronto Raptors in the USA for their logo, a basketball with claws in the shape of an M digging into the side. This wasn't a claim against its name, as it doesn't feature the word 'Monster', but rather the logo, with Monster Energy arguing that it's too similar to its own.
The latest trademark dispute in Japan from Monster Energy was reportedly filed in November 2022, so the company is still pushing with its goal to reduce the use of the word among other company branding, though, in Japan, it has proven unsuccessful so far.