WWE Vice City Withdraws It’s Trademark Application
WWE had sought to register the term “VICE CITY” in August to encompass professional wrestling shows, live events, television, radio, and internet broadcasts. However, according to new records released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the company explicitly withdrew the application on September 21, officially closing the process. WWE’s failure to explain the reason for this decision has revived the GTA-related comments that have been circulating since the application first surfaced.
Why Did WWE Withdraw the Vice City Trademark Application?
In the gaming world, “Vice City” immediately brings to mind Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: Vice City game. Therefore, when WWE’s application first surfaced, there was speculation about whether Rockstar or its parent company Take-Two would object. Currently, there is no confirmed information indicating that either company played a role in the withdrawal of the application.
An important detail here is the structure of the trademark rights. Rockstar and Take-Two don’t own the basic word trademark for “Vice City” alone. The company’s registration is related to the name Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. It’s stated that other trademark rights related to “Vice City” are held by companies such as Redcon 1 and Wanted Brands.
WWE’s application also covered the form “VICE CITY” written entirely in capital letters. The fact that the application was for entertainment and professional wrestling services suggested the company likely intended to use the name in an event, character, or other entertainment project.
However, since the reason for the withdrawal of the application hasn’t been explained, only possibilities remain. It’s also unknown whether Take-Two, the publisher of the WWE 2K series, had any influence in this process. For now, the only thing certain is that WWE has officially abandoned its plan to register the name “VICE CITY.”
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