WWE Negotiating Trademark Dispute With NFL Player
WWE has requested another extension with the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board while it continues to negotiate a settlement with Stone Cold LLC, a business headed by NFL player Chris Jones.
This is the fifth extension requested by WWE legal counsel, headed by Christopher M. Verdini of K&L Gates LLP.
The parties are actively engaged in negotiations for the settlement of this matter. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. requests that this proceeding be suspended for 60 days to allow the parties to continue their settlement efforts.
The dispute stems from a soda line Chris Jones released named “Stone Cold Jones”. WWE believes this infringes two trademarks they hold, “Stone Cold Steve Austin”, and “Stone Cold”.
On 5/21, WWE filed a motion to suspend proceedings for 60 days, while both parties continue to negotiate a settlement according to legal documents obtained by HeelByNature.com.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.’s motion, filed May 21, 2021, to suspend this proceeding for 60 days is granted. Accordingly, proceedings are suspended, subject to the right of either party to request resumption at any time
In the event that there is no word from either party, proceedings shall resume on July 21, 2021 without further notice or order from the Board, upon the schedule set forth in the motion.
WWE has previously requested extensions on 12/15/2020 1/20/2021 2/18/2021 3/26/2021
Last September, WWE filed a complaint, arguing the “Stone Cold Jones” trademark filing, indicating the name “Stone Cold” is connected with WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
Stone Cold LLC answered the complaint last October, saying the name is widely recognized by NFL player Chris Jones. The soda company believes there is no confusion with WWE’s trademark