US patent office cancels Redskins trademark registration, says name is disparaging
"The United States Patent and Trademark Office has canceled the Washington Redskins trademark registration, calling the football team's name 'disparaging to Native Americans.' The landmark case, which appeared before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, was filed on behalf of five Native Americans. It was the second time such a case was filed. ...
Federal trademark law does not permit registration of trademarks that 'may disparage' individuals or groups or 'bring them into contempt or disrepute.' The ruling pertains to six different trademarks associated with the team, each containing the word 'Redskin.'"
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Posts by John J. Ray (M.A.; Ph.D.)
I think that GEICO advertisements are disparaging to green lizards.
ReplyDelete"Oklahoma" is Choctaw for "Red People". The debate is over.
ReplyDeleteWith the trademark rights cancelled, I'd guess the Redskin Name and Logo are now Public Domain?
ReplyDeleteI expect there will be a veritable tsunami of Redskin merchandise being made, with no legal recourse for the former owners.
Ah! The Law of Unintended Consequences!
I know I'm showing my age here... to all this political correctness crap... whatever happen to: sticks and stones will break my bones BUT names will NEVER hurt me !!!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm showing my age here... to all this political correctness crap... whatever happen to: sticks and stones will break my bones BUT names will NEVER hurt me !!!
ReplyDeleteAre we now going to rename redskin peanuts and redskin potatoes also????
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete12 trademarks less offensive than redskins
ReplyDeleteThe word Negro offends me. Because I know how fair and transparent this administration is and how they would go to the ends of the earth to make sure that all laws are equally enforced, I'll hold my breath and wait for the government to rescind the NAACP's trademark. On second thought, I better not..
ReplyDeleteStan B: That is so tru.. Even though they are fake, I could see the government signaling out Mo Fuggers Malt Liquor and Dickens Cider as companies the Redskins should be emulating..
ReplyDelete