The Major League Baseball postseason is in full swing, with the World Series set to begin on October 24, 2025. As radio and television stations prepare promotions tied to the games, they must navigate complex trademark rules to avoid legal pitfalls. Missteps in this area can lead to costly disputes over intellectual property rights.
Navigating Trademark Confusability
MLB licenses its trademarks, including team names, logos, and event titles, to third parties for significant fees. Unauthorized use of these marks - such as “World Series” or “Yankees” - can trigger claims of trademark infringement, false advertising, or unfair competition. Even the appearance of a partnership between MLB and a station can be legally risky.
For example, using phrases like “MLB playoffs” or “National League Division Series” without permission may confuse audiences and blur the line between official and unofficial branding. Stations must avoid any language that suggests endorsement or affiliation with MLB. A disclaimer like “not an official sponsor” typically offers little legal protection.
Allowed language includes general terms like “the baseball playoffs” or “the professional baseball championship.” Specifics such as game dates, city names, or scores are permitted, but team names and logos remain off-limits.
Ticket Distribution: A Strict No-Go
MLB and its authorized partners control all ticket sales for postseason games. Stations cannot distribute tickets through promotions, even if they purchased them outright. Exceptions apply only if the promotion is conducted with an MLB-approved sponsor or with explicit written permission from MLB.
This rule underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining exclusivity over its events. Unauthorized ticket giveaways risk both legal action and reputational damage.
News Reporting: Balancing Rights and Coverage
MLB holds exclusive rights to the broadcast and description of postseason games. Without official press credentials, stations cannot report live from games while they are in progress. Post-game coverage, such as announcing winners or scores, is generally allowed but may still require permission for use in newscasts.
The league also charges fees for repurposing game highlights, such as clips or summaries. Stations must secure consent from MLB or local rights holders before incorporating these elements into their programming.
Implications for Businesses
Trademark monitoring is critical for broadcasters and advertisers. Confusability risks can arise from even minor oversights, such as using a team’s nickname in a promotion or referencing a logo without authorization. Businesses must invest in legal review to avoid costly litigation and reputational harm.