The Energon Pub

Why are there changes in Transformers names? Bluestreak to Silverstreak,Shrapnel to Skrapnel,Trailbreaker to Trailcutter?? What's up with that?

RSDADDIMUS2 wrote:Why are there changes in Transformers names? Bluestreak to Silverstreak,Shrapnel to Skrapnel,Trailbreaker to Trailcutter?? What's up with that?

You mean you've never heard of Trademarks?

Long story sort, when a name has to be changed, 9 times out of 10 Hasbro has lost the right to use the name, either it's being used by a competitor, or it's rendered too generic (like when people use "Kleenex" for tissues, or "Legos" for building block).
Another reason why names are changed is purely a cultural one. In most such cases, the name is a derogatory term in the US or the UK. Examples include "Slag" "Slapper" and "Spastic".

It's down to trademarks. Some names are easily trademarked others aren't. Then there's the fact if a trademark isn't used it can lapse. This is why we saw naming conventions like Autobot Jazz during the first movie line. Hasbro will change a name to something that is more easily trademarkable and thus can be better protected from infringement while they're using it. There maybe otherreason but I think I covered the main one.

Thank you.makes sense. I just didn't think about Trademarks.

Mind you, while some names are unavailable for the main line, some of them are available for lines like Kre-O. I chalk that up to trademark categories: main line is "Action Figures" and Kre-O is "Construction Toys" I imagine.

Total lies! Transformers only change their names when they get married!

Oh SNAP!!

craggy wrote:Total lies! Transformers only change their names when they get married!

If thats the case, I wonder who took who's name when Chromedome and Rewind got hitched?

ZeroWolf wrote:

craggy wrote:Total lies! Transformers only change their names when they get married!

If thats the case, I wonder who took who's name when Chromedome and Rewind got hitched?

Chromewind? Redome?

See, Chromewind sounds pretty cool to me