Blizzard trademarks 'Warlords of Draenor' in New Zealand, Australia (update: Europe, U.S.)

Blizzard Entertainment has filed a trademark for "Warlords of Draenor" in New Zealand and Australia, hinting at the possibility of a new World of Warcraft expansion, reports MMO Champion.

In the WoW universe, Draenor is the homeland of the orc race and the main area of the game's first expansion, The Burning Crusade.

The trademark, which was filed on Nov. 1, covers "Computer game software, computer game discs, downloadable computer game software, computer game software downloadable from a global computer network, interactive multimedia computer game program; downloadable electronic game software for use on portable electronic devices such as mobile and cellular phones, laptops, handheld computers, and tablet PCs."

The usage listing also hints at connection to an online service: "Entertainment services, namely, providing on-line computer games; providing on-line non-downloadable computer games that may be accessed via a global computer network; providing online news and information in the field of computer games."

Additionally, the website WarlordsofDraenor.com was registered in October, though it currently remains empty and a WhoIs search reveals it was registered under domain company GoDaddy.

In the past, Blizzard trademarks have turned up shortly before the announcement of new expansions or add-on content for the company's host of MMOs. Earlier this year, the company trademarked and then announced Reaper of Souls as the latest Diablo 3 expansion.

The company's annual convention, Blizzcon, is set to take place in Anaheim, Cali this weekend. Polygon will be in attendance covering the show.

Update: "Warlords of Draenor" trademarks have now appeared in the U.S. and in Europe.