Judges Rule Yankees Are Officially the Evil Empire
By Tim Ryan
Alas, a panel of judges has denied the trademark application and sided with the Yanks. The panel’s humorous explanation of the ruling is what makes this so notable:
“In short, the record shows that there is only one Evil Empire in baseball and it is the New York Yankees,” wrote the judges. “Accordingly, we find that [the Yankees] have a protectable trademark right in the term . . . as used in connection with baseball.”
It’s funny because it’s true. What’s strange is the argument from lawyers representing Evil Enterprises, suggesting the term “Evil Empire” has been used with the Phillies, Rangers, and other teams. Quite the crafty retort. The Rangers and Phillies have been referred to as the Evil Empire about as often as you’ve had your taxes done by Irwin R. Schyster.