It’s always easy to spot a knock-off. A company, show or movie that tries to jump on the success of another by producing a very similar, inferior product. The list in movies is endless. But in the toy world, one of the most famous was the GoBots line.

The GoBots were the less cool Transformers. They had their own mythology, but were basically “robots in disguise” just like those other robots who turned into cool stuff. Besides toys, they, too, spawned a TV show that wasn’t quite as successful, but had its fans. Now, nearly thirty years after the GoBots went extinct, news has broke that Hasbro has attempted to claim a new copyright for the franchise which would include “distribution of motion pictures.” Yes, there’s a chance we might see a Gobots movie.

Leading Transformers website, Transformers World, broke the GoBots news, which they discovered on a U.S. Patent website.

On January 21st and on January 24th, Hasbro has applied for a new Go-Bots trademark (this is not a renewal) under “distribution of motion pictures, ongoing television programs” and “Toys, games and playthings, namely, toy vehicles and accessories for use therewith“. You can check out the Trademark documents from the United States Patent & Trademark Office here and here.

The GoBots were originally created by Tonka as their answer to the Transformers but, after Hasbro bought Tonka, the GoBots came under their wing. So, technically, the could team up with the Transformers now, but I sincerely doubt that’s happening.

It’s also very important to realize that just because Hasbro applied for a trademark which would allow for new toys, games, TV shows and even movies, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. What it does mean is in one way or another, be it on the toy shelf or TV screen, the GoBots will almost certainly be coming back.

I have to be honest, I don’t remember anything about the GoBots except that they existed. What Gobots memories do you have? Tell us below.

Header image: The Superhero Satellite, via Google.