WWE has decided to abandon its attempt to trademark the term “Vice City,” as confirmed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on September 21. The application, which was filed for entertainment services related to wrestling exhibitions and performances, raised concerns due to the existing association of “Vice City” with the Grand Theft Auto game series.
While WWE sought to trademark the term in all caps as “VICE CITY,” there were no pending trademarks for that specific phrase, although it is closely tied to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. The holders of the “Vice City” trademark are actually two different companies.
No official reason has been provided for WWE’s decision to withdraw the trademark request, though speculation exists around potential reactions from the companies linked to the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The trademark abandonment marks an interesting moment for firms that typically take protective measures regarding their intellectual property.
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