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BREAKING: Aaron Judge Wins Trademark Battle Over “All Rise” and “Here Comes The Judge”


Jan 10, 2026

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, together with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), secured a major legal victory this week, upholding his trademark rights to the iconic phrases “All Rise” and “Here Comes The Judge.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected an attempt by a Long Island man to claim the slogans for commercial use, protecting Judge’s brand and marketability.

The dispute began with 2017 trademark applications from Michael Chisena, who claimed ownership of the phrases and a related logo for clothing. Chisena had never even watched Judge play, but filed during Judge’s breakout rookie season. Judge and the MLBPA argued that the slogans were uniquely associated with his persona and that granting rights to an unrelated individual would confuse consumers and dilute his licensing value. The court agreed, affirming Judge’s common law trademark rights.
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Legal experts note this ruling is a rare recognition that phrases organically tied to an athlete’s identity can hold enforceable legal weight even without prior federal registration. “This isn’t just about words on a shirt,” said one attorney. “Expressions born from fan culture that are unmistakably linked to a public figure’s identity are protectable.”

Judge’s victory strengthens his marketability as personal brands become major revenue streams in sports. “All Rise” and “Here Comes The Judge” are now formally tied to Judge’s image, used widely by fans, broadcasters, and merchandise makers. Court records showed strong evidence of public association, including media coverage and licensed apparel predating Chisena’s filings.

The ruling also sets a precedent for athletes and other public figures defending phrases or symbols with cultural significance. For Judge, it is more than a legal win — it secures his cultural impact and ensures that catchphrases fans associate with him are protected. The Yankees slugger’s personal brand remains firmly intact, with “All Rise” and “Here Comes The Judge” now legally safeguarded alongside his on-field accomplishments.

Immediately After Confirming the Departure of Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots Submit a Strong Offer to the Eagles to Trade for WR A.J. Brown — According to Adam Schefter
FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — A short but emotional chapter between the New England Patriots and offensive star Stefon Diggs is coming to an end. After just one season in New England, Diggs has confirmed he will leave the team when the new NFL league year begins, closing a relationship that once carried great expectations for both sides. Diggs’ departure immediately creates a significant gap in the Patriots’ offense. According to Adam Schefter, New England quickly responded by submitting a strong trade proposal to the Philadelphia Eagles in an effort to acquire star receiver A.J. Brown. “We must always find ways to make our offense more dangerous,” a source within the league shared, showing how serious the Patriots are about searching for a new No. 1 wide receiver. The move reflects the team’s determination to restructure its receiving corps immediately after Diggs’ departure. The trade proposal is structured as follows: Patriots receive: A.J. Brown 2026 second-round pick Eagles receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 31 overall) 2026 third-round pick 2026 sixth-round pick From the Patriots’ perspective, the reasoning behind this offer is very clear. Brown would immediately become the No. 1 receiving target, bringing a powerful perimeter weapon capable of reshaping opposing defensive structures. His contested-catch ability and big-play potential are viewed as defining elements for the offense. “A player like A.J. Brown can change how defenses play against you for an entire game,” an NFL analyst noted. With his size, strength, and ability to generate yards after the catch, Brown is considered a rare type of receiver that any team would want to have. For the Eagles, the proposal offers significant draft capital. A first-round pick along with additional assets could help the team restructure its roster for the future while maintaining long-term financial flexibility. However, parting ways with Brown would also significantly alter Philadelphia’s offensive identity. At the moment, discussions remain in the exploratory stage, but the official offer from the Patriots signals their willingness to pursue a major deal. If negotiations continue to gain momentum, the A.J. Brown trade could quickly become one of the most impactful wide receiver trades of the NFL offseason.