SEGA just filed a trademark for a "Sonic Forces Rival Rush" in Japan. Learn more about the trademark here.
SEGA Files Trademark for "Sonic Forces Rival Rush"
Everything We Know About Sonic Forces Rival Rush From the Filing
⚫︎ Image From Sonic Forces E3 2017 Trailer
"Sonic Forces Rival Rush" has surfaced in a new intellectual property filing after SEGA submitted the title for trademark registration with the Japan Patent Office. The application, which was first spotted by fans through Chizai Watch, a Japanese website that tracks and publishes newly disclosed intellectual property filings from the Japan Patent Office, was filed on June 26 and published on July 7. SEGA, however, has not announced a game, mobile title, or other product bearing that name.
According to the filing, the trademark covers Classes 9 and 41, which include a wide range of description. The filing, machine-translated from Japanese, specifically references "programs for home video game consoles," though trademark applications frequently contain broad language designed to protect a name across multiple categories. Like most trademark registrations, the filing primarily serves to secure legal rights to a name and does not, by itself, confirm that a commercial release is in active development.
What Could Sonic Forces Rival Rush Be?
⚫︎ Image From Sonic X Shadow Generations
Even so, the trademark's name has naturally drawn speculation because it appears to expand on an already existing game. The most simple interpretation is that Sonic Forces Rival Rush could be a sequel to 2017's Sonic Forces.
Another possibility is that it is somewhat similar to 2024's Sonic X Shadow Generations, which revisited an older title with new content. At this stage, however, there is nothing in the trademark itself that indicates what form the project, if it exists, would ultimately take.
Many Sonic fans are also pointing to other parts of its name. "Rival" and "Rush" are both terms that have been used in the franchise before, namely with Sonic Rivals and Sonic Rush. That, however, may simply be a stylistic naming choice. Whether the game will draw inspiration from those past mechanics remains to be seen.
There is also the possibility that this is for a project that's already been announced. Just last month, SEGA revealed that Sonic Forces would be coming to the Nex Playground, a family-focused motion gaming system that connects to a television and uses an AI-powered camera to detect full-body movement instead of controllers.
Although there is no evidence linking the trademark to that version of the game, the naming has prompted speculation that Rival Rush could potentially be the branding used for the game that is being developed specifically for the platform.
⚫︎ Image From Sonic X Shadow Generations
If history is any indication, fans may also need to temper expectations. Trademark filings often become public months before a project is officially announced, and in some cases, the names never result in commercial products at all. A recent example came in October 2025, when SEGA filed a trademark for "Shadow the Hedgehog."
The registration resulted in widespread speculation that the publisher was preparing a remake or remaster of the 2005 action game, particularly following the character's renewed popularity after the release of Sonic X Shadow Generations.
Until SEGA formally reveals what the name is attached to—or whether it will be used at all—the application should be viewed as exactly what it currently is: a trademark with an interesting name and plenty of room for speculation.
Source:
Chizai Watch | Sonic Forces Rival Rush Trademakr
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