Baseball and IP: Trademarks in Honor of the College World Series

Baseball is a long-standing American tradition. Iconic events like the upcoming College World Series® are recognizable tournaments in the sport. Event names like these and other items in the world of baseball are protected by trademarks; even beloved ballpark snacks like Cracker Jack® have trademarks! Next time you’re at a ballpark watching baseball, be sure to look around and enjoy the intellectual property!

Baseball and Branding: Baseball Trademarks

Trademarks play a crucial role in protecting the identity of major baseball events. The World Series®, one of the most prestigious championships in professional sports, is a registered trademark owned by Major League Baseball (MLB). The MLB was formed in 1903, so that’s over 122 years of high-quality professional baseball – as an organization and as a business. 

In college athletics, both the Men’s College World Series and Women’s College World Series are trademarks held by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). These marks ensure that only authorized entities can use the names in promotions, merchandise, and official branding. The College World Series, set to start soon here in Omaha, was first trademarked in 1988.

2025 College World Series Team Trademarks

One of the eight teams that advanced to the College World Series is Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina. No stranger to the CWS, Coastal Carolina captured the national title in 2016. Although the university’s National Championship-specific logo is not federally registered, Coastal Carolina enjoys common law trademark rights in the mark. These rights stem from the university’s use of the logo in commerce and association it has built with the university’s historic win.

Coastal Carolina also has many other trademarks associated with their university’s logos.

Reg. No. 4710989

Their mascot draws a lot of attention as well. Chanticleers is an unfamiliar term to many. It’s pronounced “shon-ti-cleer” and it means rooster.  

Murray State, located in Kentucky, is another one of the eight teams in this year’s CWS, and it’s their first-ever appearance! They will play UCLA in Game 1 of the series. 

Did you know there is a difference between federally registered and state trademarks? Murray State has trademarks filed through the state of Kentucky, like the logo below.

We wish all eight teams and their fans the best this College World Series!

Cracker Jack®: A Snack with a History

No baseball game is complete without Cracker Jack®, the caramel-coated popcorn and peanut mix that has been a staple of ballparks for over a century. Cracker Jack has been a registered trademark since 1906! While the original trademark has evolved and been renewed over time, Cracker Jack and its history remains an iconic part of baseball culture, even earning a mention in the classic song Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

Why Trademarks Matter in Baseball

Trademarks aren’t only legal jargon and protection. They help preserve the history and identity of baseball’s biggest events. It is trademarks that ensure that the parent organizations retain exclusive rights, preventing unauthorized commercial use.

As the game of baseball continues to change and grow, intellectual property remains a key component in the future of the sport. Continued protection of the innovations and intellectual property associated with baseball and its traditions will help keep the love of the game alive.