SHIFT UP has officially acquired the design and trademark rights to the fan-made character “Dororong”, filing a patent application on August 29. The character, originally created as a derivative of Dorothy from GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE, has become a beloved unofficial mascot among players.

“Dororong” has already appeared in SHIFT UP’s official projects, including April Fools’ Day events, second-anniversary content for NIKKE, and most recently in collaboration material tied to Stellar Blade.

According to SHIFT UP, the company secured the rights directly from the original creators to safeguard the affection and trust fans have invested in “Dororong” and to ensure the character is managed responsibly.

The company emphasized that fan-made works are an essential part of subculture communities and can naturally lead to broader IP growth. The spread of the “Dororong” meme, they noted, helped NIKKE reach a wider audience and carried special significance for the franchise.

SHIFT UP also described the trademark filing as a way to respect fan creativity while laying the groundwork for responsible IP oversight. Looking ahead, the studio plans to expand “Dororong” into merchandise, events, and collaborations, offering fans new experiences built around the character.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.