The iconic Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has expanded his portfolio of intellectual property rights to include terms closely associated with his wrestling character.
According to a recent filing with the SEC, The Rock has now secured the ownership of key phrases from his WWE days.
Upon joining the Board of Directors of TKO last month, Johnson obtained the IP rights for his namesake, “The Rock,” as well as other trademarks including “jabroni”, “Roody Poo”, and “Candy Ass”. The list also includes notable sayings such as “If you smell what The Rock is cooking,” among others.
The filed document delineates the “Rock IP” as follows:
“Rock IP” means any and all Intellectual Property Rights throughout the world at any time owned by the TKO Group Parties, or any of their respective Affiliates, whether registered or unregistered, pertaining to (a) the following ring names and taglines: “The Rock”, “Rocky Maivia”, “Team Corporate”, “Rock Nation”, “The Nation”, “Roody Poo”, “Candy Ass”, “Jabroni”, “If you smell what The Rock is cooking”, “The Samoan Sensation”, “The Blue Chipper”, “The Brahma Bull”, “The People’s Champion”, “The Great One”, “Know Your Role and Shut Your Mouth”, “Team Bring It”, “The Rock Just Bring It”, “The People’s Elbow”, “Rock Bottom”, “Finally, The Rock has come back to …”, “It doesn’t matter what…”, “Blue Hell”, “The millions… (and millions)”, “Rockpocalypse”, “Project Rock” and “The most electrifying man in sports and entertainment”, (b) the logos and all other Intellectual Property Rights set forth on Schedule A, (c) all other service marks and trademarks related to the items in clause (a) and (b) and (c) all other nicknames, caricatures, voice, signature, gestures, routines, costumes or parts of costumes, accessories, crowns, related to the items in clause (a), (b) or (c).
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, WWE will retain a 10-year license to use these trademarks in specific categories and products. During this period, Johnson is not permitted to license the IP to competitors of TKO.
In an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk On The Street, Johnson spoke emotionally about the significance of owning his stage name—The Rock.
Johnson emphasized his gratitude towards Ari Emanuel for facilitating this unprecedented deal and highlighted the personal importance of the name, which originated from his father, WWE legend Rocky Johnson. “It’s got some heft behind it,” stated Johnson, referencing the personality attached to his moniker, which allowed him to express his genuine self.
The Rock’s Name Recognition Empowers Personal Identity
Johnson expressed heartfelt recognition for Ari Emanuel’s role in the transaction, stating, “he found a reason to say yes.” This sentiment was linked to the understanding that his name carries a deep family heritage and significance. The acquisition of these rights, Johnson stated, not only carries economic value but also honors his father’s legacy and his own career in professional wrestling and entertainment.
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FAQ Section
What does “Rock IP” include?
“Rock IP” encompasses all intellectual property rights relating to Dwayne Johnson’s ring names, taglines, logos, service marks, trademarks, nicknames, caricatures, voice, signature, gestures, routines, costumes, accessories, and crowns.
How long has WWE been granted a license to use the Rock IP?
WWE has been granted a license to use the Rock IP for a duration of 10 years.
Can The Rock license the IP to competitors of TKO?
No, as part of the agreement, The Rock cannot license the IP to businesses that are competitive with TKO for the duration of WWE’s license.
What was The Rock’s reaction to acquiring these rights?
The Rock expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity, citing the personal and professional significance of being able to fully own the IP rights to his wrestling persona and acknowledging the emotional connection to his family’s legacy.
Conclusion
The acquisition of the IP rights to ‘Jabroni’ and other iconic phrases and trademarks by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson represents a significant milestone in his career, mixing personal heritage with professional triumph. As he reflects on the depth of meaning behind his stage name, The Rock’s identity and brand continue to resonate with fans around the world. The corporate maneuvering underscored by a respect for family and the craft of entertainment indicates the strategic and poignant efforts of a superstar securing his legacy in and beyond the ring.