What happened: Major League Baseball's effort to register a trademark on the phrase 'Play Ball' for use on clothing has been rejected. The New York Times reported the league came up short in its attempt to secure exclusive commercial rights to the phrase for apparel.

Why it matters: Trademark rights on a ubiquitous phrase would have let the league control merchandise bearing the words and pursue infringement against sellers. Being denied means 'Play Ball' stays broadly available for use on clothing, limiting how much MLB can monetize or police the phrase on apparel.

What to watch: Watch whether the league appeals the decision or narrows its filing to a more specific mark or product category.