WWE Abandons Vice City Trademark Application

WWE has abandoned its trademark application for "Vice City". On September 21, the United States Patent and Trademark Office confirmed the company's express abandonment request. WWE did not provide a reason for withdrawing the application.

The entertainment company filed the trademark in August for "entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered live and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service." WWE sought to trademark the term in all caps as "VICE CITY".

The quick reversal raised questions about potential conflicts with existing intellectual property. Vice City is best known as the setting for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Rockstar Games' entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise published by Take-Two Interactive. While Rockstar does not hold a trademark on the basic "Vice City" wordmark itself, the term is associated with one of gaming's most recognizable franchises.

The "Vice City" trademark is actually held by two separate companies: Redcon 1, LLC and Wanted Brands, LLC. Whether Take-Two, Rockstar, or WWE's publishing partner 2K Games raised concerns about the application remains unclear. WWE is known for aggressively protecting its intellectual property, but the company elected not to pursue this particular mark.

The abandonment stands as a notable shift in WWE's typical approach to trademarking, though the company has not commented on the decision.