Watch Dogs trademark fraudulently abandoned

The US patent and trademark office received an application on 1 February for the “express abandonment” of the Watch Dogs name, apparently signed by Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot himself.

However, this was a fraudulent application says Ubisoft, who is now working the have the trademark reinstated immediately. It has not been reported who filed for the abandonment.

Initially spotted by Polygon, who then followed up with Ubisoft, the apparent abandonment sparked speculation about the state of the Watch Dogs game, which was delayed back in October 2013 with no firm new date. Ubisoft moved quickly to allay any fears.

“We are working directly with the USPTO on reinstating the trademark for Watch Dogs and it will be active again in the coming days. The matter has no impact on the Watch Dogs‘ development,” Ubisoft said in a statement.