WWE Files Vice City Trademark Ahead of GTA 6?

No, WWE has not filed a trademark for “Vice City� — that filing belongs to Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of both Rockstar Games (maker of GTA) and 2K (maker of the WWE 2K video game series). The trademark application, filed in early 2025, covers “Vice City� for use in video game software and related entertainment services, which has led to speculation that it may be linked to an upcoming GTA project or a remaster of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. However, because Take-Two also owns the WWE video game license, some fans initially misread the filing as a WWE trademark. This article explains what the filing actually says, why it matters for GTA 6, and what it could mean for the future of both franchises.

What the Trademark Filing Actually Shows

Public records from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) show that Take-Two Interactive filed a trademark application for “Vice City� on January 31, 2025. The application lists International Class 9 (video game software) and Class 41 (entertainment services, including online games). The mark is described as a word mark, meaning it covers the text “Vice City� in any stylization, not a specific logo.

Because Take-Two owns Rockstar Games, the filing is widely interpreted as protecting the name for future GTA content. Rockstar has used “Vice City� as a location in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006). A new trademark would prevent other companies from using the name in gaming, and it could signal a remaster, a new game, or downloadable content set in that fictional city.

Notably, the filing does not mention WWE or wrestling in any of its descriptions. The applicant is Take-Two Interactive, not WWE or 2K. The confusion likely arises because Take-Two also publishes the WWE 2K series, so some fans saw “Take-Two files Vice City trademark� and assumed it was related to a WWE product. That assumption is incorrect.

Why the Confusion With WWE Happened

WWE and Take-Two have a long partnership. 2K has published WWE 2K games since 2013, and Take-Two owns the exclusive video game rights to WWE. So when a trademark for “Vice City� appears under Take-Two’s name, it’s easy to see why someone might think it’s for a WWE game. But “Vice City� has no connection to wrestling — it’s a fictional city inspired by Miami, and it’s been a central location in the GTA series for over two decades.

The confusion may also stem from the fact that WWE has filed trademarks for many of its own terms, like “WrestleMania� and “Royal Rumble.� Fans who saw “Vice City� in a trademark database might have assumed WWE was expanding into new territory. However, the filing clearly lists Take-Two as the owner, and the goods/services are standard for video game software.

What This Means for GTA 6

GTA 6 is scheduled for release in fall 2025, and it is set in a fictional state called Leonida, which is based on Florida. The game’s main city is Vice City, a return to the location from the 2002 game. The trademark filing could simply be a routine legal move to protect the name ahead of the game’s launch. Companies often file trademarks for characters, locations, and slogans before a major release to prevent others from registering them first.

It’s also possible that the filing covers future DLC or expansions set in Vice City, though Rockstar has not announced any such plans. The trademark could also be used for merchandise, like clothing or posters, which is common for major game franchises.

Importantly, the filing does not guarantee that a new Vice City game is in development. It merely protects the name. Rockstar has not announced any remaster or spin-off, and the company has been focused on GTA 6 since its official reveal in December 2023.

How Trademarks Work for Game Companies

Trademarks are a form of intellectual property protection that covers names, logos, and slogans used in commerce. For video game companies, trademarks are essential to prevent others from using the same name for competing products. The process involves filing an application with a national patent office, like the USPTO, and specifying the classes of goods and services the mark will cover.

Once filed, the application goes through an examination period. If approved, the mark is registered, and the owner has the exclusive right to use it in the specified classes. The registration can be renewed indefinitely as long as the mark is still in use.

For a company like Take-Two, filing a trademark for “Vice City� is a low-cost way to secure the name. Even if they don’t have immediate plans, it prevents others from using it and gives them flexibility for future projects.

Common Misconceptions About the Filing

One common misconception is that the trademark filing is new evidence of a GTA 6 delay or a secret project. In reality, trademark filings are routine and don’t indicate a release date. Another misconception is that WWE is somehow involved, which we’ve already clarified is false.

Some fans also believe that the trademark means Rockstar will release a Vice City remaster before GTA 6. While remasters are possible, there is no evidence of that. Rockstar has not announced any such project, and the company has historically focused on one major release at a time.

Finally, some people think that a trademark application is the same as a registered trademark. It’s not — an application is a request, and it can take months or years to be approved. The filing does not grant immediate rights, but it does establish a priority date.

What to Watch For Next

If you’re curious about the fate of the “Vice City� trademark, you can monitor the USPTO database. The application will be published for opposition, which gives others a chance to object. If no one opposes, it will proceed to registration, which typically takes 6-12 months.

For GTA 6, the release is still expected in fall 2025. The trademark filing is unlikely to affect that timeline. For WWE fans, this filing has no bearing on WWE 2K or any wrestling game. It’s purely a GTA-related move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did WWE file the Vice City trademark?

No. The trademark was filed by Take-Two Interactive, not WWE. WWE is not listed as the owner, and the filing does not mention wrestling.

Is this trademark proof that GTA 6 will be set in Vice City?

Not proof, but it’s consistent with what we already know. GTA 6’s trailer confirms the game is set in Leonida, with Vice City as a major location. The trademark is likely just protecting the name.

Could this trademark mean a Vice City remaster is coming?

It’s possible, but there’s no official announcement. Rockstar has not mentioned any remaster, and the trademark alone doesn’t confirm a project.

When was the trademark filed?

The application was filed on January 31, 2025, according to USPTO records.

Does this affect the WWE 2K series?

No. The trademark is for “Vice City,� which is a GTA location. It has no connection to WWE 2K or any wrestling game.

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in t | Filing date (year) | - | 2025 | 2000 | 2030
in d | Years since filing | years | 0 | 0 | 30
out age | Years since filing | years | d | 0