Lizzie borden's ghost  
the board game CANceLled

As you know, women from across the globe came together to create this board game. Our focus was on unity, and we wanted to create a game that encompassed history, mystery, and the paranormal. We wanted people to think about cold cases,  the crime victims, and the impact crime has on the loved ones, community, and even the future. 

The game creation began in 2020. We were ready to launch in early 2027. Then we received a message on Facebook on June 6, 2026:

Hello Ms. Yates, sorry to bring bad news, but wanted to inform you:https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=98871472&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

We started developing a board game in 2021 and started selling it in 2022. We have a federal trademark registration for lizzie borden for use in game. Because we have and sell our own game, and it looks similar to ours, if we were to promote it it would go against the game that we invested in ourselves
 

I responded by giving  the sender my email and personal cell number, asking to discuss. On June 19, 2026 I received this response:

What's a good email or number we can reach you at to talk about the board game?

I responded by giving  the sender my email and personal cell number, asking again to discuss. I sent this message several times. I finally located the persons named as copyright holders and sent an email requesting information. On August 11, 2026 I received a letter from US Ghost Adventures that read in part:

USGA owns and operates the historic Lizzie Borden House and has developed a substantial commercial association with the Lizzie Borden name through the property, its tours, overnight stays, merchandise, and related products. USGA developed its Lizzie Borden board game in 2021, has sold the game since 2022, and has applied to federally register LIZZIE BORDEN for use in connection with games.

Together, USGA ’s ownership of the Lizzie Borden House and its established use of LIZZIE BORDEN for a board game provide substantial trademark protection against another party using the name for a competing game. Although your proposed title adds “Ghost,” LIZZIE BORDEN remains its dominant and recognizable portion. Consumers could understandably believe that “Lizzie Borden’ s Ghost” is produced, approved, or licensed by the owner of the Lizzie Borden House, particularly because USGA already sells its own Lizzie Borden board game.

We appreciate the time and effort that you and others have invested in your project. With that in mind, USGA would be willing to discuss a license permitting you to use the name and sell the game. USGA would propose a licensing fee of $15,000 for three years, subject to an agreement addressing the term, territory, product approval, marketing, and other customary terms. 

We believe the timing could be favorable for a properly licensed product. Netflix ’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story is scheduled to premiere on September 17, 2026, which is likely to generate renewed interest in Lizzie Borden. USGA has also entered into commercial arrangements involving the Lizzie Borden House and related products with other companies. 

As Director of Best True Crime Books, Games & Video LLC, I will NOT pay for the right to use the name "Lizzie Borden." Personally, I feel it is corporate greed and  I will not take part. Professionally, I feel as thought this company is making money on the backs of crime victims, which I will never support.  Andrew and Abigail Borden were real people with friends and family.

(Before anyone accuses us of making money off  of crimes, understand this is not a "money making business." Also, we focus on education and information. There will be no glorifying or entertaining in our games. If you disagree, then let's graciously agree to disagree.)

I am very angered that this has taken place, but I am also a believer in our team. We will fall back, regroup, and change the game. We have a dream of creating a fun, educational game by women from around the globe. I intend on keeping my word to the team and move forward, just with a few changes. 

Please don't give up on us, and thank you for your support. 

Respectfully,

Judith A. Yates