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WWF changes name to World Wrestling Entertainment after court case
STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) -- World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, famous for musclebound stars like The Rock and Undertaker, has met its match with nature.
The Stamford, Conn.-based company said Monday it is changing its name to World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE). The company's Web site address will now be WWE.com.
The company began considering dropping the word "Federation" from its name when the World Wildlife Fund prevailed in a recent court action in London. The court ruling prevents the World Wrestling Federation from using the logo it adopted in 1998 and the letters WWF in specified circumstances.
"Our new name puts the emphasis on the 'E' for entertainment, what our company does best," said Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. "WWE provides us with a global identity that is distinct and unencumbered, which is critical to our U.S. and international growth plans."
London's Court of Appeal in February denied the wrestling group's challenge to an injunction, granted last year, that gives the right to the initials to the World Wildlife Fund. The injunction gives the wrestlers limited rights to use the initials in the United States.
The charity -- best known for its efforts to protect the giant panda and other endangered animal species -- had taken legal action to protect its global brand and reputation from connection with the professional wrestling group.
The wildlife charity registered the initials WWF as a trademark in 1961. It changed its name to World Wide Fund for Nature outside the United States in 1989, but uses the WWF initials and its panda logo around the world.
A new logo reflecting the name change was introduced Monday night on WWE's television show RAW on TNN.
WWE will continue to trade as WWF on the New York Stock Exchange until a suitable replacement symbol is found.
WWE announced it has changed the name of its entertainment complex in New York City's Times Square from WWF New York to The World, currently the name of its popular night club.
The company's stock closed Monday at $15.18 US, up four cents.
WWF changes name to World Wrestling Entertainment after court case
STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) -- World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, famous for musclebound stars like The Rock and Undertaker, has met its match with nature.
The Stamford, Conn.-based company said Monday it is changing its name to World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE). The company's Web site address will now be WWE.com.
The company began considering dropping the word "Federation" from its name when the World Wildlife Fund prevailed in a recent court action in London. The court ruling prevents the World Wrestling Federation from using the logo it adopted in 1998 and the letters WWF in specified circumstances.
"Our new name puts the emphasis on the 'E' for entertainment, what our company does best," said Linda McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. "WWE provides us with a global identity that is distinct and unencumbered, which is critical to our U.S. and international growth plans."
London's Court of Appeal in February denied the wrestling group's challenge to an injunction, granted last year, that gives the right to the initials to the World Wildlife Fund. The injunction gives the wrestlers limited rights to use the initials in the United States.
The charity -- best known for its efforts to protect the giant panda and other endangered animal species -- had taken legal action to protect its global brand and reputation from connection with the professional wrestling group.
The wildlife charity registered the initials WWF as a trademark in 1961. It changed its name to World Wide Fund for Nature outside the United States in 1989, but uses the WWF initials and its panda logo around the world.
A new logo reflecting the name change was introduced Monday night on WWE's television show RAW on TNN.
WWE will continue to trade as WWF on the New York Stock Exchange until a suitable replacement symbol is found.
WWE announced it has changed the name of its entertainment complex in New York City's Times Square from WWF New York to The World, currently the name of its popular night club.
The company's stock closed Monday at $15.18 US, up four cents.
