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USPTO Rejects MLB “Play Ball” Clothing Trademark

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States Patent and Trademark Office denied Major League Baseball’s request to trademark “Play Ball” for clothing.
The USPTO said the phrase is generic and does not identify a source, noting many clothing brands already use it.
MLB filed the request in 2022, has three months to seek reconsideration, and already holds about 200 other clothing trademarks including “Play Ball Park.”

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Story summary

The United States Patent and Trademark Office denied Major League Baseball’s request to trademark “Play Ball” for clothing.
The USPTO said the phrase is generic and does not identify a source, noting many clothing brands already use it.
MLB filed the request in 2022, has three months to seek reconsideration, and already holds about 200 other clothing trademarks including “Play Ball Park.”