WWE Sets Its Sights on the Vice City Brand While Marketing GTA 6 Continues
WWE wants to incorporate the term “Vice City,” which shares its name with one of the most well-known fictional cities in the gaming world, into its own branding. The timing of the application is noteworthy, as Rockstar Games recently announced the GTA 6 Extended Look preview, and the game’s marketing process has gained momentum again. However, based on the available information, WWE’s aim is not to directly engage in a trademark war with GTA 6 or Rockstar.
Why Does WWE Want to Acquire the Vice City Trademark?
WWE filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on August 4th for the term “Vice City.” The application is still under review. However, the scope is quite clear: WWE wants to use this term in professional wrestling shows, broadcasts, sports and entertainment content, fan club events, and similar services.
The strongest connection here is NXT star Lola Vice. The wrestler, whose real name is Valerie Loureda, is from Miami, Florida, and the term “Vice City” is already associated with her character. Given that Lola Vice is expected to be promoted to the main roster soon, it makes perfect sense that WWE would want to secure this name for her presentation, events, or marketing.
On the GTA side, the situation is completely different. Rockstar’s Vice City is a fictional city inspired by Miami and one of the main locations in GTA 6. The GTA 6 Extended Look presentation, which we detailed yesterday, will be released on August 27th and will be one of the most comprehensive presentations of the game to date. Therefore, while the fact that both brands are heavily using the name “Vice City” at the same time might seem a bit confusing, their legal uses are quite different.
The most amusing part is the indirect connection between the companies. Rockstar, which developed GTA 6, is part of Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two also owns 2K Games, which publishes WWE 2K games. So, rather than a real brand war, we have two different, comically intertwined uses under the same roof. If WWE’s application is approved, we might start hearing the name Vice City more often in the wrestling world.
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