I’m not sure you can trademark a word in common usage.
I remember a case where Markus Persson (creator of Minecraft) made a game called “Scrolls” and Bethesda sued him for trademark infringement (because of “The Elder Scrolls” series). They lost.
Though I find the idea of suing the pants off GNOME very appealing, let’s not be like Bethesda
For real. Just look up “Bethesda vs. Scrolls case” on your search engine of choice…
Yeah, what do you expect of morons who made Fallout 67?
BTW, this is how Mr. Persson proposed they settle the dispute:
The only negative thing going on at this moment is the Scrolls trademark lawsuit nonsense, and I think I came up with the perfect solution:
Remember that scene in Game of Thrones where Tyrion chose a trial by battle in the Aerie? Well, let’s do that instead!
I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3. Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors. We select one level, your select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins.
If we win, you drop the lawsuit.
If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you’re fine with.
Regardless of the outcome, we could still have a small text somewhere saying our game is not related to your game series in any way, if you wish.