WWE Surrenders Registration For ‘Cody Rhodes’ Trademark
Cody Runnels may have secured a huge victory in attempting to trademark the name Cody Rhodes.
On 11/2, WWE filed a cancellation notice with The United States Patent and Trademark Office, surrendering the Cody Rhodes trademark. HeelByNature.com has confirmed the cancelation was finalized Wednesday morning with the trademark office.
Cody has had issues trademarking the name due to WWE legally owning it, despite it officially expiring earlier this year.
WWE originally secured the trademark in October, 2009, the filing was valid for 10-years, expiring in October 2019. The United States Patent and Trademark Office provides a six month grace period to renew, WWE did not renew in time, causing the trademark to expire.
On 4/13, WWE’s trademark for the name expired, Runnels filed his own trademark for the name the same day. The next month, WWE attempted to revive their expired trademark, citing COVID-19 caused a delay in renewal.
WWE no longer wanted to use the trademark for “live performances by a professional wrestler”, instead they wanted to claim the trademark for “entertainment services, namely, performing in wrestling exhibitions; providing wrestling news and information via global computer network”.
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In July, Runnels’ trademark was then refused, citing confusion with WWE’s filing. He was given six months to provide proper documentation to allow his filing to continue to flow through the USPTO system.
Earlier this year, Cody commented on WWE wanting ownership of the name, stating he did not hold a grudge .Rhodes says WWE could make “big money” off the brand, based on data both sides have access to.
“It’s not as sultry/scandalous as reported. It’s just business. They’ve seen the same data we have, and they know they can make big money off the brand(even though it’s not in their house). Trying to license me is flattering, but it doesn’t stop this train from moving. No grudge.”
WWE’s cancelation of the trademark would now provide Runnels leverage in his filing. He has until January 2021 to update his case.
Last month, Cody abandoned filings for two trademarks WWE opposed, “The Match Beyond” and “Slamboree”.
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