Phillies File Trademark Applications for 'Ring the Bell'

The Phillies quietly filed two trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on October 24 for the phrase "Ring The Bell."

The Phillies have filed two trademark applications for:

"RING THE BELL"

The phrase represents a celebratory tradition at Citizens Bank Park.

When the Phillies hit a homerun or win a game, a large Liberty Bell in the outfield rings and lights up.#Phillies pic.twitter.com/XOX0u4WkH3

— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) October 28, 2024

Trademark applications are goods and services-specific, meaning that if the Phillies' applications are approved, they would own the phrase only for the purposes stated on the applications. 

One application would grant the Phillies exclusive rights to the phrase for "clothing, namely, headwear and shirts." The second application relates to use of "Ring The Bell" for a more sweeping collection of purposes, including online newsletters and podcasts:

Screenshot from the USPTO websiteDon't even think about using the phrase for your "live performances from costumed mascots!" 

Companies and individuals would still be able to use "Ring The Bell" for purposes not included in the Phillies' applications. For example, the Conshohocken Brewing Company has already trademarked the phrase for a beer:

Photo via conshohockenbrewery.com

According to the USPTO website, an individual named Michael Cerelli also has a pending application for the use of "Ring The Bell" for "clothing, namely, shirts, shoes, hats, and pants." Cerelli's application was filed in July 2024.

The Phillies own a variety of other interesting trademarks, including:

-  "Phils" for clothing and uniform jerseys(!)

-  "Power Tickets" for electronic ticketing services

- "Bedlam at the Bank" for clothing, and for entertainment service (these applications are still pending approval)

- "Phanavision"

- "PHLLS" (yes, two Ls, let the jokes fly) for clothing (pending)

- "ill" in the traditional Phillies script, for clothing 

Bootleg t-shirt vendors near the Philly sports complex were not immediately available for comment.

UPDATE: On Pattison also reached out to intellectual property expert Josh Gerben for his thoughts on the matter. From Gerben:

"The biggest question about the trademark filings is: why now? The Phillies have been 'ringing the bell' at Citizens Bank Park for a long time. Arguably the team should have moved to protect the phrase a long time ago. 

"In all likelihood, the Phillies noticed an increase in unlicensed merchandise using the 'Ring the Bell' moniker. Obtaining a trademark license is one of the best tools available for policing various marketplaces online. Therefore, having the registration would enable a team to better protect a phrase so closely related to the experience at Citizens Bank Park."