From Meme to Official Icon: Doro Becomes Official Trademark
Shift Up, the developer behind Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, has taken a bold step: they filed for a trademark for Doro—the once fan-made meme turned mascot—across Southeast Asia. This move underscores just how powerful community creations can become when embraced by the original creators.
Doro’s Viral Journey to Trademark Stardom
What started modestly as a meme on a Korean forum has transformed into something far greater. Fans fondly refer to the character as “Doro” or “Dororong.” Recognizing the viral charm and popularity, Shift Up submitted a trademark application for the character and various logos to the South Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 29, 2025. This ensures Doro’s continued legal use in designs, promotion, and perhaps more.
Community Creation Becomes Canon
Doro began as a fan alteration of Dorothy from Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, crafted on the Arca.live forum. It was redesigned into a cute, simple, and endearing chibi-like creature. That charm sparked rapid fan affection—fan art, memes, and affection catapulted Doro into the status of the game’s “unofficial mascot.”
Appearance in Official Media and Promotions
Shift Up soon featured Doro in official capacities: in marketing media for Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, even inside-game events, and as part of a crossover with Stellar Blade. Its transition from meme to official is now complete—not just fan love, but official recognition too.
Why This Trademark Move Matters
- Legal Protection – Shift Up can continue using Doro in various forms—logos, merchandise, media—without risking intellectual property disputes.
- Community Acknowledgment – This signals respect for fan creativity and shows how player culture can meaningfully influence the game world.
- Marketing Power – Doro’s cuteness and popularity make it excellent branding material for promotions, merchandise, and crossovers.
Final Thought
The trademark filing of Doro by Shift Up is more than a legal formality—it’s a testament to how fan culture can shape official narratives. When a playful meme evolves into a trademarked mascot, it reflects an exciting synergy: creators and communities collaborating in ways that elevate both the game and its loving fans. This milestone shows that creativity, even from the simplest origins, can resonate so deeply it earns its place in game history.
origin: gamerbraves
