What happened: Major League Baseball's attempt to trademark the phrase 'play ball' has been rejected. The application was turned down at the trademark-office level, leaving the umpire's signature call free for anyone to use.

Why it matters: The phrase is woven into baseball's everyday language, from broadcasts to youth leagues, and a successful claim would have given the league control over a term in wide public use. The rejection keeps one of the sport's most recognizable expressions in the public domain rather than under league ownership.

What to watch: Watch whether the league appeals the decision or refiles a narrower application tied to specific goods and services.