WWE Trademark Application For Randy Orton’s RKO Rejected By USPTO

WWE has been stymied in their attempt to trademark Randy Orton’s RKO by the USPTO due to the famed RKO Pictures. As reported in July, WWE filed a trademark application for the finisher’s name, describing it as:

“Wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network.”

Fightful reports that the US Patent & Trademark Office rejected the application in a nonfinal action on Tuesday. The rejection cited similarity to RKO Pictures. The movie studio was most prominent during the Golden Age of Hollywood when it produced the likes of King Kong and Citizen Kane, but still exists as an imprint now owned by BMG.

The USPTO has given WWE until February 3rd, 2027 to respond with arguments and evidence supporting their trademark request, and can pay for a three month extension if they wish. WWE owns several RKO-related trademarks for merchandise and the like.