Epic Games has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Nreal. （The company claims that (as you may have already noticed) Nreal's use of the name "Nreal Light" for its upcoming line of mixed reality glasses is a little too close to the company's multiple "Unreal" trademarks.

It is not just the name similarity that is problematic. It is obvious, but there is alleged overlap between Epic's products and Nreal's: For example, Nreal is already developing a game for Nreal Light, and its website lists the Unreal Engine as one of three development platforms for Nreal Glasses, the lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit alleges that Nreal has already developed games for Nreal Light, for example, and its website lists the Unreal Engine as one of three development platforms for Nreal glasses.

"Nreal's use of NREAL, a trademark that looks and sounds nearly identical to Epic's UNREAL trademark, in connection with products that overlap with Epic's UNREAL branded products and services is likely to confuse consumers," the lawsuit states. "Not only did Nreal target its first product in an area where Epic has already entered, but Nreal's plan also involves further infringement of Epic's rights.

According to the complaint, Nreal's trademark application indicates that it intends to use its trademark not only for AR glasses, but also for "the design and development of computer game software and virtual reality software," making it a direct competitor of the Unreal Engine. It also targets the same industries as Epic, including "gaming, entertainment, retail, medical, office environments, industrial, and other market segments."

Nreal filed for the trademark in January 2018, but Epic formally opposed it in December of that year "due to potential confusion between the two trademarks." Since then, the two companies have attempted to negotiate a solution, but nothing has been resolved; in August 2020, Nreal announced that Nreal Light would be available in Japan and Germany, with a U.S. launch planned for later this year.

"Nreal's permitted use of the infringing trademarks would cause injury and irreparable harm to Epic, UNREAL's trademarks, and Epic's reputation and goodwill associated with UNREAL's trademarks. "Nreal has not benefited from Epic's extensive efforts to build a valuable brand with the UNREAL Marks or funded from the significant marketing budgets of its key business partners (Samsung, LG, Deutsche Telecom) to be associated with Nreal. should not be allowed to squeeze Epic's ability to expand its offerings under UNREAL Marks without being associated with Nreal.

Epic seeks an order directing Nreal to withdraw its trademark application, as well as damages, attorneys' fees, and restitution.

"We are aware of the lawsuit filed by Epic," a spokesperson for Nreal said in a statement. We respect intellectual property rights, but we believe the lawsuit is without merit and will vigorously defend against the claims brought by Epic."

Nreal also recently tweeted that "what you have all been waiting for" will be revealed on May 20.

Thanks, The Verge.