Cody Rhodes Discusses WWE's Late Trademark Renewal On His Name
Says there's "no grudge"...
Jul 4, 2020
WWE filed a late trademark renewal on May 15 for "Cody Rhodes", claiming that the situation with COVID-19 was the reason for the late registration. The trademark had lapsed on April 13, the same day that the man who professionally bore that name filed his own trademark on it.
Cody's application on the name initially received a refusal due to the similarity with WWE's registration. He will have six months from June 30 to respond to the "likelihood of confusion" letter, or else his trademark will be abandoned.
Cody took to Twitter to address the situation, saying, "It’s not as sultry/scandalous as reported. It’s just business. They’ve seen the same data we have, and they know they can make big money off the brand(even though it’s not in their house). Trying to license me is flattering, but it doesn’t stop this train from moving. No grudge."
The AEW TNT champion dropped the "Rhodes" part of his name after leaving WWE in the spring of 2016. WWE initially filed the trademark on the "Cody Rhodes" name in June of 2007.
