WWE Hits Trademark Problems

WWE has encountered problems with regards to their intellectual property recently, with several trademark filings having been denied by the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office).

There are various reasons for these claims being denied, but the most notable were those denied due to a lack of written consent from the wrestlers who perform under the ring names applied for.

The trademark applications were submitted in October 2020, but were rejected in mid-February 2021. HeelByNature reports that the trademarks will be abandoned in six months unless WWE provides a signed document from the talent, with consent that WWE can use the name in question. The USPTO denials include evidence showing that the names belong to living individuals, requiring consent. 

The following trademarks were denied: • Dominik Mysterio – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Dominik Mysterio”, or “Dominik Gutiérrez”, as shown in the attached evidence. However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • Kay Lee Ray – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Kay Lee Ray” or “Kaleigh Rae”, as shown by the attached evidence. However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • Chelsea Green – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Chelsea Green.” However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • A-Kid – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “A-Kid” or “Carlos Ruiz”, as shown by the attached evidence. However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • Amale – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Amale” or “Amale Dib”, as shown by the attached evidence. However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • Amir Jordan – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Amir Jordan.” However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.” • Aoife Valkyrie – “The applied-for mark includes the name of the following individual applicant: “Aoife Valkyrie” or “Aoife Cusack”, as shown by the attached evidence. However, this individual did not sign the application and the application does not include a written consent personally signed by this individual.”

The USPTO noted, “Because the individual named in the mark did not sign the application and the application did not include a proper written consent, applicant must provide a statement that the name in the mark identifies a particular living individual and a written consent to register the name.”

H/T: HeelByNature