"Worldle" Takes a Stand Amid Trademark Dispute with New York Times

Kory McDonald, the developer of the geography-focused game "Worldle," is rallying support for all games that end with the suffix "-le." In "Worldle," players are presented with a series of images from Google Street View and must guess the location depicted.

McDonald has sought to trademark "Worldle," but the New York Times, which is behind the popular word game "Wordle," has filed an opposition to his application. This comes despite the Times initially indicating it had no issues with similar games, stating that "imitation is the best form of flattery."

The New York Times claims the similarity in the names could lead to confusion among players, suggesting that McDonald is leveraging "Wordle's" popularity for his own gain. They are also concerned that any negative experiences players have with "Worldle" might reflect poorly on "Wordle."

Despite the challenges, McDonald remains firm in his stance, arguing that the minor difference in their names would prevent any confusion. He maintains that Wordle players would quickly realize they had navigated to the wrong site if they mistakenly landed on "Worldle."

While disappointed by the New York Times' opposition, McDonald is determined to fight for his game and the broader community of developers creating "-le" games. He emphasizes the existence of a thriving industry of hobbyist-created games and insists on standing up for their right to exist.

Note: This article is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal inquiries, please consult a qualified professional.