WWE is a company that is constantly filing trademarks, but Fightful is reporting that World Wrestling Entertainment was recently denied multiple trademarks due to lack of written consent.
According to the report the United Stated Patent and Trademark Office refused trademarks on the names Drew Gulak, Pete Dunne, Tony Nese and Justus.
Unless the proper documentation is submitted the trademarks will be abandoned in six months.
The refusal reads as follows:
“Applicant must clarify whether the name [TRADEMARK NAME] in the mark identifies a particular living individual. See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §§813, 1206.03. In this case, the application neither specifies whether the name in the mark identifies a particular living individual nor includes a written consent. See TMEP §§813.01(a)-(b), 1206.04(a), 1206.05.
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. 15 U.S.C. §1052(c); TMEP §§813, 1206.04(a).
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.”).”
It was also noted that WWE has filed to trademark the names Mark Andrews, Oliver Carter, and Piper Niven.
