WWE Denied Multiple Trademarks, Files New In-Ring Name Trademarks

WWE has been denied multiple trademarks due to a lack of written consent from talent. 

The United Stated Patent and Trademark Office has refused WWE’s trademarks on Drew Gulak, Pete Dunne, Tony Nese and Justus. 

The trademarks will be abandoned in six months unless WWE submits the proper documentation. 

The refusal reads:

Applicant must clarify whether the name [TRADEMARK NAME] in the mark identifies a particular living individual.  See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §§813, 1206.03.  In this case, the application neither specifies whether the name in the mark identifies a particular living individual nor includes a written consent.  See TMEP §§813.01(a)-(b), 1206.04(a), 1206.05.

To register a mark that consists of or comprises the name of a particular living individual, including a first name, pseudonym, stage name, or nickname, an applicant must provide a written consent personally signed by the named individual.  15 U.S.C. §1052(c); TMEP §§813, 1206.04(a).  

Accordingly, if the name in the mark does not identify a particular living individual, applicant must submit a statement to that effect (e.g., “The name shown in the mark does not identify a particular living individual.”). 

You can view the full document by clicking here.

If other WWE trademark news, WWE has filed to trademark Mark Andrews, Oliver Carter, and Piper Niven. 

You can find more WWE trademark news by using Fightful’s search function.