No, WWE no longer owns the intellectual property rights to "The Rock" and many associated names and taglines. These rights have been transferred to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Ownership of "The Rock" Intellectual Property
Effective recently, the extensive intellectual property (IP) tied to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's famous wrestling persona is now under his direct control. This significant transfer means that the core elements of his WWE identity, previously belonging to the wrestling promotion, are now his personal assets.
The shift in ownership was officially disclosed in a 10-K filing with the SEC by TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE and UFC, on February 27. This filing revealed that Johnson has secured the rights to his iconic ring name, "The Rock," along with approximately two dozen other names and catchphrases that were formerly the property of WWE.
Key Details of the IP Transfer:
- Primary Asset Transferred: The highly recognized ring name "The Rock."
- Additional IP: Approximately 24 other names and taglines associated with Dwayne Johnson's wrestling career.
- Previous Owner: These assets were previously the property of WWE.
- Current Owner: All transferred IP is now under the control of Dwayne Johnson.
- Date of Disclosure: The transfer was publicly revealed in a February 27 SEC filing by TKO.
This move underscores Johnson's enduring influence and commercial power, allowing him greater autonomy over his brand identity.
Summary of Intellectual Property Rights
To clarify the change in ownership:
Intellectual Property (IP) | Current Owner | Previous Owner |
---|---|---|
"The Rock" (Name) | Dwayne Johnson | WWE |
~24 Other Names/Taglines | Dwayne Johnson | WWE |
This transfer solidifies Dwayne Johnson's control over his iconic persona, a testament to his unique standing in entertainment and sports.