Bungie Drops Marathon Trademark After RC Car Giant Traxxas Raises Concerns: What It Means for Gamers

Bungie recently let go of its trademark application for “Traxus.” This came after Traxxas, a well-known RC car company, opposed the trademark, fearing it could confuse customers. Both names sound similar, and they both cover clothing items.

Bungie originally filed for the “Traxus” name in May 2023 for its upcoming Marathon game, which has a history in Bungie’s universe, including the Halo series. However, this trademark was met with a legal challenge from Traxxas in October 2024.

Traxxas argued that the names were too alike and posed a risk of customer confusion. Over the following months, both parties engaged in settlement talks, exchanging several consent motions to delay the process. These discussions continued until July 14, 2025, when Bungie officially abandoned the trademark.

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board confirmed the case was closed the next day. Bungie’s other trademark filings, like UESC and MIDA, have also been abandoned without public disputes, hinting at possible strategic changes.

The development of Marathon has been delayed, with no new release date announced yet. Bungie assures fans that playtests are ongoing and they’re dedicated to making the game the best it can be.

Interestingly, the clash between Bungie and Traxxas sheds light on the complexities of trademark law in the gaming industry. Experts note that these disputes can significantly impact branding strategies and timelines for game releases. In 2022 alone, over 2,000 trademark applications related to gaming were filed in the U.S., showing that this is a growing concern for developers.

As the gaming world evolves, brand identity becomes increasingly important. This case emphasizes the need for video game companies to navigate trademark laws carefully, ensuring their names stand out without infringing on existing brands.

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