Ever heard of Dark Peak Games? Quite possibly not, but I’m pretty sure that you may know all about them. The reason that you will not have heard of them is that at the moment they’re called War Banner.
In a statement from the company, the name-change seems to be due to a legal issue raised by Games Workshop. This is seemingly due to the similarity of their naming/branding.
Announcement:
Written statement from War Banner Limited.
As of the 1st April 2019 War Banner Limited will become Dark Peak Games Limited, this is no April fools day joke.
On the 1st March 2019 Games Workshop Limited (GW) requested the withdrawal of our trademark WAR BANNER as in their opinion it bears significant similarity to GW’s registered trademark WARHAMMER with our registration being sought in relation to the same classification of goods which GW sells under WARHAMMER.
In their defence GW has used its trademark WARHAMMER to sell sculpted miniatures, publications and accessories for tabletop wargaming since the release of ‘Warhammer 1st Edition’ in 1983. Over the years, GW has amassed considerable goodwill and reputation in this mark through its widespread and consistent use.
After seeking legal advice Mark Farr and Andy Hobday decided to comply and have worked with GW to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Going forwards the use of War Banner will cease across all digital platforms from the 1st April 2019. Alongside this we are also currently in the application process with Companies House to change our name to Dark Peak Games Limited as well as making other changes wherever it is needed; this will take time, so please bear with us during this transitional period. We believe by the 1st of June 2019 we will have made all necessary changes to comply.
Our printed products will continue to carry the War Banner mark for the next three months or until sell-through whichever comes first. Mortal Gods and Gangs of Rome have been granted a longer sell through as they are recent products.
Impending Release
It’s never fun when the law has to get involved in things like this. Although, at least this was resolved without too much conflict. Considering they were contacted on the 1st of March, this is quite a quick turnaround, too.
Hopefully this doesn’t impact the launch of upcoming Mortal Gods too heavily. It’d be a shame for it to fall at the last hurdle due to a dispute like this. However, based the experience from the guys, we’re sure they’ll make it through and absolutely nail it. Be sure to keep checking back for upcoming Mortal Gods content, too.
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