8 most unusual trademarks by WWE

Modified Apr 02, 2018 05:59 GMT

Sometimes, obesession over intellectual property takes a backseat to common sense — Sometimes, obsession over intellectual property takes a backseat to common sense

#2 '3:16'

Austin 3:16 is one of the most iconic catchphrases in wrestling history

This trademark appears to have been done for the sole purpose of creating merchandise with the expression ‘3:16’ included. On one hand, it makes sense because WWE made a fortune off merchandise with ‘Austin 3:16’ written on it, given that it was Austin’s signature catchphrase.

However, trademarking the numbers alone is bizarre for a number of reasons. First, the numbers alone could be used to describe the time, so anything with these numbers written in this way on it could be infringing on WWE’s trademark.

Secondly, 3:16 itself has religious connotations, as multiple religions have references to passage 3:16 in them. In other words, WWE better have a solid legal case if they try and sue someone who has the words ‘John 3:16’ written on a piece of clothing, for example.

Edited by Nishant Jayaram