Cody Files For "Cody Rhodes" Trademark As WWE's Rights Expire
'The American Nightmare' is on the verge of getting his surname back.
Cody could be on the verge of finally getting his full name back.
The AEW Executive Vice President has filed a trademark to secure the rights to "Cody Rhodes" on the same day that WWE's grace period on the term expired, as brought to light by Heel by Nature.
Per the documents featured in the report, Cody's application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office was filed on 13 April, with 'The American Nightmare' intending to use his old ring name for "entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests" and more.
WWE had owned the "Cody Rhodes" trademark since filing it on 13 October 2009. The 10-year filing expired on 13 October, meaning the six-month grace period ended on 13 April. WWE decided against filing for renewal.
Rhodes had previously claimed that he was fine with not wrestling as a "Rhodes," stating his pride that "'The American Nightmare' Cody" had become its own thing. Regardless, it makes more sense for him to pursue this than not. It's his legacy, after all, and with brother Dustin and wife Brandi using the "Rhodes" surname, he's still very much the odd one out in his family.