Trade marks are crucial in safeguarding your business’s identity, especially when your brand is part of the entertainment industry. Recently, WWE applied for a new trade mark for their tag team, The Unholy Union. Whether you’re in the wrestling business or running a local shop, the principles of intellectual property protection remain the same.

WWE and AEW: Protecting Their Brands

WWE’s trade mark application for The Unholy Union covers a broad range of entertainment services, including live wrestling performances, online content, and fan club services. This ensures that their tag team’s name is protected from unauthorised use in a wide variety of media formats. By securing this trade mark, WWE not only protects the tag team’s identity but also strengthens its commercial opportunities in merchandising, media rights, and fan engagement.

Similarly, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has filed a trade mark for AEW: Shockwave. While it’s not entirely clear what this trade mark will be used for, it could be for a new pay-per-view event or a television show. Either way, AEW is taking steps to protect their brand by ensuring that any new product or service is legally protected before it is launched.

Why Should Your Business Care About Trade Marks?

You may not be running a global wrestling company, but the principles of trade mark protection apply to businesses of all sizes. A trade mark helps secure your brand’s identity, preventing competitors from using a name, logo, or slogan that could confuse your customers. It also provides you with legal protection if someone attempts to profit from your hard-earned reputation.

What Can You Learn from WWE’s Approach?

WWE’s example teaches us the importance of thinking ahead when it comes to trade mark protection. They’ve filed for a trade mark before fully launching The Unholy Union in new media formats, which means they are safeguarding their brand from the outset. This approach is key for any business: don’t wait until your brand has grown before you start thinking about intellectual property protection.

Expanding Your Intellectual Property Protection

Both WWE and AEW’s recent trade mark filings show that protecting your brand isn’t just a one-time event. As your business grows, you may need to expand your trade mark to cover new products, services, or geographical areas. For example, WWE’s application doesn’t just cover live wrestling; it also protects the brand in online communities, fan clubs, and even newsletters. If your business is diversifying or expanding into new markets, it’s important to review your intellectual property portfolio and ensure it covers all your current activities.

How National Business Register Can Help

If you’re unsure whether your brand is fully protected, or you’re thinking of expanding your trade mark coverage, National Business Register is here to help. We specialise in registering trade marks, ensuring your brand is protected from potential copycats. Whether you’re just starting out or are an established business looking to grow, we can provide expert advice and a tailored trade mark strategy to suit your needs.

Get in touch with us today to review your trade marks or to start protecting your brand with the right trade mark strategy. Call us on 0800 069 9090 or by emailing info@nbrg.co.uk.