USPTO Rejects WWE Trademark Bid For RKO

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected WWE's bid to trademark the term RKO for wrestling purposes. The nonfinal office action was issued on November 3rd and cited similarities with trademarks held by RKO Pictures. WWE filed the trademark application on July 6th and currently owns several related trademarks for the RKO phrase and associated merchandise.

The USPTO noted that the applicant's and registrant's marks share the sole or dominant literal element 'RKO' and that one of the registrant's marks is identical to the applicant's mark. The company also has the option to pay for a three-month extension on that deadline.