Sony Tries (And Fails) to Trademark "Let's Play"

If you’re a gamer, or gamer-adjacent, or spent any time on YouTube, you’re probably familiar with the phrase “Let’s Play”--it’s a type of video where people play (and usually comment on) a video game for the entertainment of others. It’s been embraced. It’s been ridiculed. But it’s here, and it’s probably not going anywhere.

Well, at least, it’s not going anywhere anymore.

You see, earlier last year, Sony decided to make a bold decision--they were going to put a trademark on the title “Let’s Play”. Sure, they didn’t invent it, but it didn't’ seem like anyone was stepping up to own it and, let’s face it, all those videos calling themselves Let's Plays were just gold-mines waiting to be plundered for their booty.

Now, we don’t actually know Sony’s intention (although we can assume it revolved around the ongoing dispute many game developers have with content producers on YouTube and the like) behind this trademark attempt, and thankfully, we won’t get the chance to either--the US Trademark Office has refused to give them the trademark… but before you go celebrating the Trademark Office as heroes of the people, be aware that they refused the trademark not because it was being used by millions of people online, but because it’s actually already trademarked.

Yeah, I’m surprised too. Turns out, “Let’s Play” has been trademarked by Let'z Play of America, a store in Atlanta, Georgia, who isn’t using their ownership of the phrase for evil. Thus, Sony was foiled, and justice wins the day. Kind of. Coincidentally.

Either way, thanks, Let'z Play, for being on top of things. Accidentally. Just please don’t get any ideas from this. Please.