On April 10th, 2020, the New York Yankees’ star outfielder Aaron Judge won a trademark dispute over the phrase “All Rise”. The phrase had been used by Judge and the Yankees in various marketing campaigns and merchandise. The dispute was between Judge and a company called “All Rise Apparel”.
The dispute began when All Rise Apparel filed a trademark application for the phrase “All Rise” in 2017. The application was opposed by Judge and the Yankees, who argued that the phrase had become associated with Judge and the team. They argued that the phrase had become synonymous with Judge’s rise to stardom, and that it was being used to promote the Yankees and their merchandise.
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board sided with Judge and the Yankees, ruling that All Rise Apparel had not proven that the phrase had acquired distinctiveness in relation to their products. The Board noted that the phrase had been used by Judge and the Yankees in various marketing campaigns and merchandise, and that it had become associated with Judge’s rise to stardom.
The ruling is a victory for Judge and the Yankees, as it prevents All Rise Apparel from using the phrase “All Rise” to promote their products. It also serves as a reminder to other companies that they should be aware of existing trademarks when creating new products or services.
Aaron Judge has become one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball, and his trademark dispute victory is a testament to his popularity. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting trademarks and intellectual property rights.
