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Multiple WWE trademark filings have been denied by the United Stated Patent and Trademark Office.
The trademarks, which were all submitted on 7/30 have yet to be accepted by the USPTO due to lack of written consent from talent who perform under the filed names.
HeelByNature.com has obtained documentation revealing the following trademarks will be abandoned in six months, unless WWE provides a signed document from talent, consenting the company can use the name.
- Drew Gulak
- Pete Dunne
- Tony Nese
- Justus
The following explanation was included in correspondence sent to WWE on 10/6.
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.
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.”).
However, if the name in the mark does identify a particular living individual, applicant must submit both of the following:
(1) The following statement: “The name(s) shown in the mark identifies a living individual(s) whose consent(s) to register is made of record.” If the name is a pseudonym, stage name, or nickname, applicant must provide the following statement: “<specify assumed name> identifies <specify actual name>, a living individual whose consent is of record.”
(2) A written consent, personally signed by the named individual(s), as follows: “I, <specify name>, consent to the use and registration of my name, <name>, as a trademark and/or service mark with the USPTO.”
At this time, it is unknown what plans WWE has for the name Justus. At the time of filing, it was speculated the character could be aligned with the newly formed Retribution stable.
Recently, WWE faced a similar issue with a trademark filing for Mia Yim. USPTO requested her written consent, which WWE has yet to provide. In the meantime, Mia Yim registered the trademark on her own, outside the company.
If you want more pro-wrestling trademark news, check out our comprehensive coverage here.