WWE has been trying to lock down Randy Orton’s famous “RKO” for more than just merchandise, but the company has hit another roadblock. Its latest attempt to secure broader trademark protection for the three letters has now run into the exact same problem that stopped WWE before.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refused WWE’s second attempt to trademark “RKO” for wrestling-related entertainment services in a nonfinal office action issued November 3. The problem is RKO Pictures, Inc., which already owns several registrations involving the RKO name.
The examining attorney cited six existing registrations owned by the classic Hollywood studio, including RKO Pictures, RKO Stage and RKO in typed form. According to the office, WWE’s proposed mark is simply too similar to those existing registrations.
“Applicant’s and registrant’s marks all share the sole or dominant literal element ‘RKO.’ One of registrant’s marks is in typed form and is identical to applicant’s mark.”
WWE filed its latest application on July 6, seeking protection for “RKO” covering wrestling exhibitions and performances across television, radio and online platforms, along with wrestling news and information provided online.
That is where things get complicated. The examining attorney determined that WWE’s proposed services are closely related to the film, television, multimedia production and entertainment-information services already covered by RKO Pictures’ registrations, creating a potential likelihood of confusion.
The USPTO also wants WWE to explain whether “RKO” has any particular significance within professional wrestling or whether the letters are considered a term of art within the industry. For wrestling fans, of course, RKO has been synonymous with Randy Orton’s finishing move for decades, but WWE now has to make its case within the trademark process.
This isn’t WWE’s first trip around the block with this issue either. Its previous attempt to register “RKO” in the same category was rejected over the same conflict with RKO Pictures. WWE does already own active RKO trademarks covering merchandise, so Orton shirts and other branded products aren’t the issue here. What WWE is trying to secure is broader protection for wrestling performances and related entertainment services.
And this fight isn’t necessarily over. The November 3 refusal is nonfinal, meaning WWE has until February 3, 2027 to respond with arguments and evidence, with the option of paying for an additional three-month extension. So WWE still has another shot at convincing the USPTO that Randy Orton’s RKO can coexist with the Hollywood RKO.
Do you think WWE will finally find a way to secure the RKO trademark for wrestling performances, or will the RKO Pictures issue keep standing in its way? Let us know what you think in the comments.
