USPTO Rejects WWE’s Attempts To Trademark ‘RKO’ For Wrestling Purposes Due To RKO Pictures Overlap

The USPTO have rejected WWE’s attempts to trademark ‘RKO’ for wrestling purposes due to it’s overlap with RKO Pictures.

Randy Orton is one of the most iconic pro wrestlers of the past two decades, largely thanks to a viral meme that centered around his finishing move, the RKO, which would play up the ‘out of nowhere’ nature of the move. Now, WWE have failed in attempting to trademark the phrase.

In a nonfinal office action issued on November 3rd, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office would reject WWE’s attempts to trademark the phrase ‘RKO’ for wrestling purposes, citing the similarities with trademarks related to RKO Pictures. However, WWE has until February 3rd of next year to respond with arguments and evidence, and have the option to pay for a three month extension. WWE currently own several trademarks surrounding the RKO phrase and merchandise, and originally filed for this trademark on July 6th.

“Applicant’s and registrant’s marks all share the sole or dominant literal element ‘RKO,’ one of registrant’s marks is in typed form and is identical to applicant’s mark.”

In other trademark news, WWE would file to trademark two different ring names on November 3rd. You can read more about that here.