People who don't create content for a living basically have no idea what they are outraged about. There are a lot of people like that in this thread. I assume you are one of the 3000+ users who downvoted the fine bro's reply up above. After I shed some light on this, I hope you will understand that the outrage in this thread is cringe worthy.
How the fuck is anyone going to make a reaction video if they can't use the word "react" in the title without it being infringing on your bullshit trademark?
I have the word "Geared" trademarked in the category of "computer game software." I have friends with even more common words like "Meter" that have been trademarked in the same category. We both had apps that were #1 on the Apple app store. (e.g. Geared, Geared 2, Ugly Meter, Ugly Meter Pro).
Why do I have a common word trademarked? Two reasons. 1. So that a big company doesn't come along, claim the trademark, and sue me over my using it. 2. So that no one can upload Geared 3, confuse consumers, and damage my brand.
I'm not out to fuck people over. I don't send out cease and desist letters out every time I see a word that starts with the letter "G." I have sent 3 emails since 2009. All for blatant trademark infringement intended to confuse consumers into believing that some shitty app that some guy threw together in a weekend was made by me or official in some way. Obvious attempts to exploit my brand, and take advantage of the tens of thousands I've spent on advertising.
Shortly after I released Geared on the app store, a much larger company released a game called "Gears." We have peacefully coexisted on the app store for years. There is no way to confuse one game for the other given their icon's, graphics and genres. I have no idea if they feel the same, but it doesn't matter, because I am protected. If I had not trademarked my game's name, it might have become an issue for me.
if they can't use the word "react" in the title
They have successfully branded a series with a particular identity and they are well within their rights to seek protection of their IP. Almost every word has a trademark. You are not prohibited from using "react" in the title of a video as a descriptor. (e.g. Watch me react to ____). They would be foolish to issue a takedown over descriptive titles like that. And if they did it to one of mine, I would send a demand letter for damages. I'd follow that up by filing a lawsuit.
COM2US trademarked "Tower Defense" back in 2008 (a genre since the 1990s). They went on to take down a lot of apps with "Tower Defense" in the title. A ridiculous asshole move in my opinion, they probably never should have been awarded the trademark, but that was on the industry to challenge when it was published for opposition. You know what happened? People switched to "TD." (e.g. "Bloons TD). No one can own a genre, and the fine bros can't own the idea of reaction videos.
Douchebaggery, pure and simple.
Everything the fine bros are doing here is standard shit. There are a whole bunch of people in this thread looking to feel outraged about something and this isn't it. Wait until they abuse the law, if and when that happens. That's the time to get outraged and encourage the the victim to file a small claims lawsuit for damages like lost revenue.
...unless you decide you will.
Why are you outraged today about something that hasn't even happened yet?