Hasbro accuses Asus of stealing Transformer Prime name

Hasbro is accusing Asus of hijacking one of its trademarks with the release of the Transformer Prime tablet.

The second Masterpiece Edition of Optimus Prime. We don't think it runs Android.
(Credit: Takara Tomy)

The toymaker claimed in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Federal Court last week that the electronics maker is creating confusion by blending the "Transformers" and Optimus Prime names. Hasbro said in a statement that Asus is counting on consumers associating the new tablet with children's toys to sell the Transformer Prime.

"Hasbro continues to aggressively protect its brands and products, and the specific actions we are taking today against Asus underscores yet again Hasbro's willingness to pursue companies who misappropriate our intellectual property for their own financial gain," the company said in a statement to PaidContent.

Hasbro is seeking damages and an injunction preventing sales of the tablet.

Asus could not be reached for comment.

While the 10.3-inch tablet doesn't undergo a magical metamorphosis to a giant robot, it does transform into what is essentially an Android-based laptop when connected to an optional keyboard/dock.