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Former WWE Talent Given Ownership Of In-Ring Names
WWE has transferred ownership of trademarks to two former roster members, Karl Anderson, and Lio Rush.
HeelByNature.com has confirmed both agreements have been made between the WWE and the former company talent.
An agreement was made between WWE and Lionel Green, better known under his ring name Lio Rush on July 22. It allows Lio Rush to retain the rights to his name in the Worldwide, including any renewals of the trademark. The agreement was finalized on August 2.
Lio Rush returned to in-ring action last month at a GCW event, facing Joey Janela. He has been teasing a retirement from in-ring action following his release from WWE.
WWE made an agreement with MG Karl Anderson, LLC on May 27, transferring ownership of the name Karl Anderson in the United States and European Union. The paperwork was finalized on June 14. His agreement allows WWE to retain the rights to the name for any footage they own, including still photographs and audio. The agreement was finalized on June 18.
Paperwork reflecting the agreement was dated as July 19, the day after Karl Anderson’s non-compete clause with WWE ended.
Karl Anderson has since signed a deal with IMPACT Wrestling, alongside his tag-team partner Doc Gallows. The pair was released from WWE this past April during company wide cuts. Lio Rush was also part of company wide releases.
Anderson had issues filing trademark for the name while he was under WWE contract. The United States Patent and Trademark Office denied his application due to WWE already owning the name for use in professional wrestling.
Both agreements were signed off by WWE VP of Talent Relations Mark Carrano. Documents can be viewed below.
Earlier this month, WWE made a similar agreement with Chris Jericho, transferring ownership of his name in over 40 countries. His agreement allows WWE to continue to use footage of him that they own.
In the past WWE has made similar agreements with Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, Ric Flair, Mickie James and Jim Ross.