Riot Games Rioting Over Esports Team’s Trademark Infringement

Riot Games Inc. v. Riot Squad Esports LLC
United States District Court for the Central District of California
Case No. 2:19-cv-08626
Filed October 7, 2019

Video game company and developer of popular MOBA video game League of Legends, Riot Games Inc., has filed a trademark suit in California’s Central District against “Riot Squad,” an eSports team.

Riot Games’ complaint alleges that Riot Squad chose this name to confuse consumers into believing that the eSports team is associated with the developer. In the complaint, Riot Games states it owns trademark registrations on the names “Riot” and “Riot Games” that relate to entertainment services, clothing, toys and games, and arranging and conducting esports competitions.

The eSports team Riot Squad identifies itself as a professional eSports organization with teams that compete in Epic Games’ Fortnite, Valve’s Counter-Strike, and Electronic Arts’ Apex Legends. Amusingly, Riot Squad doesn’t compete in Riot Games’ League of Legends.

Riot Games has stated causes of action for Lanham Act trademark infringement and false designation of origin, as well as California unfair competition law.  Riot Games is seeking injunctive relief and damages for this infringement.

We will continue to update this story as the case unfolds.