The Wall Street Journal reported on an interesting trademark case that was brought against the New York Yankees. Apparently a private entrepreneur, known as “Evil Enterprises, Inc.” tried to register the trademark for the phrase “Baseballs Evil Empire” and was turned down by a panel of trademark judges in Washington, D.C.
Evil Enterprises wanted to have the exclusive right to market merchandise using the phrase which was actually used in reference to the Yankees by the president and chief executive of the Boston Red Sox in 2002. The term has since been used by fans and the Yankees themselves. At times they are even known to play the “Evil Empire” theme from Star Wars during their home games.
The trademark judges ruled against “Evil Enterprises, Inc.” and in favor of the New York Yankees stating that the Yankees are strongly associated with the phrase and giving exclusive rights to one party would cause confusion. Kind of make me wonder how George Lucas feels about all of this. To read the entire article see. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323549204578320531185286140.html