Game Changer: Scrabble Amends The Rules
Since the game Scrabble was trademarked in 1948, proper nouns have been banned from the board. Makers of the game want to give it broader appeal, so soon proper names will count. Mattel is bringing out a new version of the game with the amended rules in July.
RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne.
Beyonc�, Beijing and Beckham - those are words you will soon be able to use in Scrabble. That's right. Reebok could now earn you 12 points. Since the game was trademarked in 1948, proper nouns have been banned from the board. Now, makers of the game want to give it broader appeal. The new rules will be in games sold this summer. The change prompted the chairman of the London Scrabble league to accuse Mattel of tarting up the game.
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