A sci-fi author is disputing a possible Elder Scrolls trademark

Sci-fi author Jay Falconer is opposing a trademark application from ZeniMax Media, Bethesda's parent company, over the word 'Redfall'. ZeniMax made the application last year, and there's a possibility it's The Elder Scrolls 6's official subtitle. The case could extend well into 2020, potentially stopping Bethesda from using the name in trailers, previews and whatever else it has planned.

Noted by GamesRadar, the dates for conferences, disclosures and hearings run from March this year all the way until August 20, 2020. There won't be a trial or court appearances, as Falconer's publisher, BookBreeze, is opposing the application, not claiming that any trademarks have been infringed.

It should be emphasised that The Elder Scrolls 6's proper title hasn't been announced yet, and while Redfall sounds kind of Redguard-related (I mean, it's got the word 'red' in it), it's not an official area in Tamriel, as far as we known, which is what the games are usually named after.

In response to the GamesRadar article, Falconer claimed that his lawyers approached ZeniMax to work out a licensing deal to use the Redfall name, but they were ignored. Falconer has written two books in the Redfall series so far.

@zoe_dels Your Redfall Article. My lawyers made attempts to contact gaming company to work out a simple licensing deal for them to use my Redfall name. They ignored me every time. Shame. Left me no choice. All could have been avoided. Just call my attorneys back.February 20, 2019

While this trademark dispute could potentially disrupt Bethesda's schedule, there's not even been a hint about the release year, let alone the release date. It's likely still very far off, trademark trouble or not. Here's everything we know about The Elder Scrolls 6.

ZeniMax Media has yet to make a statement about the trademark application, but I've reached out to Bethesda for more details.

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog.