Is Zelda a Copyrighted Name?
The Zelda name is not directly copyrighted, but it is trademarked, which means that Nintendo has the exclusive right to use the name for their games, merchandise, and other related products. The trademark protection for Zelda is an essential part of Nintendo’s intellectual property, and it helps to prevent others from using the name in a way that could confuse consumers or dilute the brand.
Understanding Copyright and Trademark
To understand the copyright and trademark status of Zelda, it’s essential to know the difference between these two types of intellectual property protection.
FAQs
1. Who Owns the Rights to Zelda?
Nintendo owns all rights, title, and interest, including all intellectual property rights, in and has the right to use and sublicense the Nintendo Intellectual Property utilized in connection with the System.
2. Is Zelda a Trademark?
Yes, Zelda is a trademark, and Nintendo has filed a trademark opposition against companies that try to use the name for their products or services.
3. Why is it Called Zelda and not Link?
The game is called Zelda because the creator, Miyamoto, thought the name sounded “pleasant and significant” after hearing of American novelist, socialite, and painter Zelda Fitzgerald.
4. What is Zelda’s Real Name?
Zelda’s full name is not explicitly stated, but it is assumed to be Zelda Hyrule, with an unknown middle name.
5. How Strict is Nintendo with Copyright?
Nintendo is very strict with copyright and opposes those who benefit and trade off the creative work of game developers, artists, animators, musicians, motion capture artists, and others.
6. What is Nintendo’s Official Stance on Video Game Piracy?
Nintendo considers video game piracy to be illegal and opposes it.
7. Are Game ROMs Illegal?
Yes, game ROMs are illegal, but emulators are not, as long as they do not use proprietary source code.
8. Are Link and Zelda in Love?
Most of the time, Link and Zelda maintain a strictly platonic relationship, but there are a few instances where they develop romantic feelings for each other.
9. What is Link’s Full Name in Zelda?
Link’s full name is not explicitly stated, but it is rumored to be a joke among Nintendo employees, with Mario’s full name being Mario Mario.
10. Who is Zelda’s Crush?
Zelda has developed romantic feelings for Link in some games, such as Ocarina of Time.
11. Is Link from Zelda Non-Binary?
Link is considered a male character, but his design is meant to be gender-neutral.
12. Why is Zelda Always Named Zelda?
The Zelda name reoccurs because the prince of the kingdom orders that every female child born into the royal household shall be given the name Zelda.
13. Are Names from Games Copyrighted?
No, game names are not copyrighted, but they can be trademarked to protect the brand.
14. Is the Zelda Logo Copyrighted?
The Zelda logo is trademarked, which means that Nintendo has the exclusive right to use the logo for their games and merchandise.
15. Will Nintendo Sue You for Downloading ROMs?
While Nintendo considers ROMs to be illegal, they are unlikely to sue individuals for downloading them, but may take action against websites that profit from ROM downloads.