WWE has abandoned its attempt to trademark the term “Vice City”. In a notice on September 21, the United States Patent & Trademark Office confirmed that it has processed the company’s express abandonment request.
No reason was given for the abandonment.
Confusion With Grand Theft Auto?
The “Vice City” abandonment request came a month after WWE first applied to trademark the term. At the time, it was filed for entertainment services, “namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service.”
Of course, Vice City is the name of one of the games in the Grand Theft Auto franchise from Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. When the application was filed, there was an immediate belief among many that the Grand Theft Auto owners would have something to say about it.
It’s worth noting that they don’t have a trademark on the basic “Vice City” wordmark, just Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. That instead belongs to two separate companies: Redcon 1, LLC and Wanted Brands, LLC. That said, WWE was trying to trademark an all caps wording, “VICE CITY”.
Whether the publisher behind the WWE 2K series had something to do with WWE no longer persuing the trademark is likely something that will never become public. Still, it’s an interesting development for companies known to take trademarking seriously.
What do you think of WWE abandoning the “Vice City” trademark? Let us know down in the comments and in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other news, read Xbox’s Matt Booty’s full memo to staff on the latest changes at the company, including more layoffs. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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