Monster Energy has engaged in dozens of legal actions against companies that include the word “Monster” in their trademarks, regardless of whether they are related to beverages. In Japan, it even took action against trademarks for Pokémon and Capcom (Monster Hunter), with no commercial connection, often leading to negative public criticism.
Type of Confusion: Institutional confusion – claiming a common term without substantial identification of origin
Plaintiff Strategy: Systematic objections across a broad spectrum of signals using “Monster”-related terms”
- Countries: Japan
- Year/Period: 2022–2023
- Branch: Drinks vs Entertainment – Gaming
- Subject of controversy: Verbal signal “Monster”
- Winner: Pokémon / Capcom
- Loser: Monster Energy
- Cost to Winner: Unknown (objection procedure)
- Cost to Loser: Administrative expenses – loss of prestige, public criticism
- Source of Decision: MMOs.com – Monster vs Pokémon
