Commodore 64 Ultimate Relaunch Sparks Legal Dispute Between Rival Commodore Entities

The relaunch of the Commodore 64 Ultimate has ignited a significant trademark dispute, drawing attention to the storied history and ongoing legacy of one of the world's most iconic home computing brands.

The Commodore 64, originally released in 1982, holds a special place among retro gaming enthusiasts and hardware collectors, renowned for its influence on video game culture and computer technology.

Now, a fresh effort to revive the brand is facing legal hurdles—underscoring the passionate stakes involved in maintaining the Commodore name. Earlier in 2024, retro gaming YouTuber Christian "Peri Fractic" Simpson acquired the Commodore brand from a Dutch firm, assembling a team that includes several former Commodore employees.

This new stewardship marks the official launch of the Commodore 64 Ultimate—an updated edition of the classic computer system that utilizes Gideon Zweijtzer's sophisticated Ultimate 64 Elite-II hardware board.

The announcement generated considerable excitement in retro gaming circles, illustrating enduring enthusiasm for legacy platforms on projects like the Commodore 64 Ultimate. However, the move has not gone unchallenged.

Commodore Industries S.r.l., an Italian company led by Luigi Simonetti and established in 2017, has asserted its own rights over the Commodore name, sparking a complex legal and trademark dispute.

In a statement to the community, Commodore Industries emphasized its commitment to protecting the reputation and historical significance of the Commodore brand, asserting: "Commodore Industries S.r.l.

is always open to collaborative initiatives that enhance and elevate the brand’s heritage.

Nevertheless, when required, we are fully prepared to defend our rights through the appropriate channels, based on the legal and factual arguments provided in our official communications." Despite speculation that the two companies might negotiate a shared path forward, Commodore Industries has recently taken steps to prohibit Commodore International—the entity controlled by Simpson—from using the brand name, according to posts observed in the Commodore 64 Facebook community and detailed by Commodore Blog. Commodore Industries has been actively marketing hardware and consumer electronics—such as laptops, tablets, headphones, and speakers—all bearing the well-known Commodore logo.

While the company has not reintroduced original Commodore computing systems, it has entered the video game space by developing contemporary versions of classic titles, including Taito's New Zealand Story and Bitmap Brothers' Xenon. Meanwhile, Commodore International continues to stake its claim to the legacy by sharing messages of support from industry figures such as Leonard Tramiel, son of the legendary Commodore founder Jack Tramiel.

Tramiel's note communicates heartfelt support for the renewed effort to bring Commodore to a modern audience, yet the tangled situation over trademark ownership remains unsettled.

The ongoing legal proceedings stand as a testament to the powerful connection that fans and technology pioneers alike maintain with the Commodore brand. As the revived Commodore 64 Ultimate approaches its launch and both entities navigate their respective rights, the outcome will not only determine the next chapter for Commodore but will also decide how its rich history is honored for future generations of gamers and hardware aficionados.

Xbox Series X|S S Commodore Commodore 64 Commodore International Commodore Industries Commodore 64 Ultimate Xbox X|S Commodore Industries S.r.l. Luigi Simonetti Christian Peri Fractic Simpson Ultimate 64 Elite-II Taito New Zealand Story Bitmap Brothers Xenon Leonard Tramiel Jack Tramiel