Settlement Discussions Ongoing Between World Wrestling Entertainment and NFL’S Chris Jones in “Stone Cold” Dispute

     World Wrestling Entertainment (“WWE”) recently filed an opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, contending that the soda line marketed under “Stone Cold Jones”, which is owned by the NFL’s Chris Jones, is confusingly similar and infringes upon the WWE’s trademarks, “Stone Cold Steve Austin” and “Stone Cold,” which are associated with the legendary wrestler Steve Austin.   The NFL’s Chris Jones contends that “Stone Cold Soda” is widely recognized and that there will be no likely of confusion, but the parties have nevertheless been engaged in settlement discussions since December of 2020.  On January 20, 2021, a thirty-day extension was filed with the USPTO, so that the proceeding would continue to be stayed while the parties explored the possibility of a resolution.