It’s not a classic example because NYT is (just like Radiohead) giving away Wordle for $0

You don’t think Radiohead has ever taken legal action to protect their IP? Radiohead sued Lana Del Ray because one of her songs sounded like Creep.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with protecting your personal brand.

And it’s even less aggressive with NYT because they can only cease the use of their “Wordle” trademark