Gamespot is reporting that Activision has filed trademarks for two titles, Guitar Villain and Drum Villain, both for things like "computer game software" and "toy guitars designed to be used as controllers for computer games."

While this doesn't necessarily mean that the company is actively working on these two titles (they have plenty of Guitar Hero games to milk for the next few years), the filings from late last year may provide insight into where the new publisher of the series plans to move the game's direction. Or maybe they just get off on filing trademarks.

Also noted by Gamespot for indication that Activision may be looking to expand the franchise are related trademarks filed by previous publisher Red Octane last summer. These include Drum Hero and Keyboard Hero.

No word on when Konami will think about registering "Remember Guitar Freaks? That Was Pretty Good" but we're sure it's coming. Michael McWhertor

Activision calls dibs on Guitar Villain, Drum Villain [Gamespot]