Q: I’m trying to make a word search book for the New York Yankees. Am I able to create a cover using the “New York Yankees”
The cover does not include any Yankee logos. In the word search, can I use player names?
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A:
You'll want to be careful with the Yankees trademark. While you can use the team name "New York Yankees" in fair descriptive use (like "Word Search Puzzles: New York Yankees Edition"), you should avoid any styling or presentation that might suggest official endorsement or licensing from the team.
For player names in the word searches, current players' names are generally protected by their publicity rights through the MLB Players Association. However, historical player names from baseball's past (like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, or Mickey Mantle) are typically fair game to include in educational or entertainment content like word searches.
To stay in the safe zone, consider focusing on baseball terminology, general New York themes, and historical players rather than current roster names. You might also include general baseball terms like "homerun," "dugout," and "pinstripes" which aren't specifically trademarked. If you plan to sell the book commercially, it would be wise to consult with legal counsel who can review your specific usage and provide tailored guidance.
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