WWE in legal dispute with Chiefs DT Chris Jones over rights to 'Stone Cold' name

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) are currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones over rights to commercially use  name 'Stone Cold'. Chris Jones is owner of Stone Cold Jones LLC, which sells a drink called “Stone Cold Jones Soda” in a partnership with KC Soda. conflict is unsurprisingly for use of 'Stone Cold' which remains quite popular among pro wrestling fans as it resonates with former WWE champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin.

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WWE vs Chris Jones for 'Stone Cold' rights

As reported by pro wrestling publication Heel by Nature, WWE filed a complaint on September 14 opposing Chris Jones' trademark filing for Stone Cold Jones Soda. In complaint, WWE has claimed that company is responsible for 'popularity, success and recognition' of Stone Cold mark which is a 'direct result of substantial time and money invested by company in development, marketing and promotion of same.'

name 'Stone Cold' is exclusively associated with WWE courtesy of its connection with wrestling entertainment and related WWE goods, company claims in filed complaint. promotion furr claims that NFL player's use of 'Stone Cold' to promote his drink could create confusion among fans as it is 'nearly identical in sight, sound and commercial meaning' to WWE's use of name. "WWE’s use of its STONE COLD Marks predates any date of first use upon which applicant can rely."

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In a response filed by NFL player last week, Chiefs DT claims use of 'Stone Cold' marks is unlikely to create confusion as it remains associated with player, who gained country-wide recognition thanks to Chiefs winning Super Bowl LIV at start of year. response also tes that any actions taken in release of Jones Soda had zero intention of willful intent. According to certain reports, Stone Cold Jones LLC is also being opposed by Jones Soda Co and Stone Cold Brewery. 

"As a result of Jones’ continuous and exclusive use of STONE COLD JONES mark since time of Jones’ first use in or around January 2019 in connection with its products, Mark enjoys wide public acceptance and association with Chris Jones (“Mr Jones”), professional football player and a Pro Bowler," Chris Jones' response read.

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Chris Jones NFL stats

26-year-old was drafted by Chiefs as a Round 2 pick in 2016. He has since played 61 games, completing 97 tackles and 33 sacks. Last season, Jones played 13 regular-season games, completing 9 sacks and 36 combined tackles. 

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(Im Credits: AP)