Ryback Expresses Frustation Over WWE Refiling For ‘Ryback’ Trademark
Ryback has built his brand outside of WWE with Feed Me More Nutrition and his own YouTube channel, but he’s still dealing with WWE legal.
Wanting to continue to use the “Ryback” name when he left WWE in August 2016, the former Ryan Reeves legally changed his name to Ryback Reeves. Unfortunately, WWE still had the trademark on the name “Ryback,” thus limiting Ryback’s opportunities for merchandising and promotions.
Speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Ryback revealed the door might be open for a WWE return, but issues need to be resolved before he walks through.
“I’ve been told that I have a meeting (with WWE) whenever I want. How true that is? I don’t know. Don’t really care. Getting my health back is my main priority. A lot would need to change. This refiling of the Ryback trademark, there’s no need for it. It does not help matters at all.”
Earlier in the interview, Ryback detailed the trademark issue, saying, “WWE refiled for the ‘Ryback’ trademark on the final day before I was set to get it. I had to pay to have my trademark filed for it. They refiled on the final day and my attorney notified me. It’s gonna cost me between $45,000 and $60,000 to cancel their trademark on it, which will more than likely take anywhere from 12 to 18 months and I should be awarded it at the end. I actually sent [WWE Senior Director of Talent Relations] Mark Carano a message last week. Nothing mean, just, ‘I would really appreciate it if you guys would cancel or drop this on your own. I’m gonna be really upset if you don’t.’ I’m gonna be really fuckin’ upset.”
Ryback filed for the trademark on May 15. WWE originally filed for the trademark in December 2012. They refiled on June 18, 2019. WWE received a notice of acceptance for the trademark on June 26. As of now, WWE still has ownership of the trademark.
Elsewhere during the interview, Ryback had an interesting theory on the future of WWE. You can view his theory by clicking here.
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