U.S. Patent office cancels Redskins trademark registration, says name is disparaging

Washington Post ^ | June 18 2014 | Theresa Vargas

[cripplecreek]

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.

“This victory was a long time coming and reflects the hard work of many attorneys at our firm,” said lead attorney Jesse Witten, of Drinker Biddle & Reath.

[headstamp 2]

The Obama Mafia got it’s marching orders from the White Hut.

[raccoonradio]

Do the Braves and Indians have to change their names too? Cle. already took Chief Wahoo off the ballcaps. Given the political horsecrap. "Washington" is offensive; make them say "Capital Region" instead.Or just say Redskin Potatoes. We name teams after animals, clothing, and historical events, why not food?

[molson209]

Wow, another federal agency being used to target democrat enemies.

yep , the US has been taken over and there is only one way to get it back

[Former Proud Canadian]

Yeah, I don't think they can.

But, I didn't think the US government could arbitrarily transfer the assets of the secured GM and Chrysler bondholders to the UAW. What do I know? Fascists can do ANYTHING.

[Girlene]

WOWSA.

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.

Five "Native Americans" were offended and they took down the Redskin name that has been around for decades? I'm a Native American and I'm not offended.

The floodgates are opened with this decision. Little Debbies will be offensive to short people, Uncle Ben's face will be offensive to AA's. Bye-bye Cleveland Indiana, Chicago Blackhawks.

This is big. What happened to freedom of speech?

[molson209]

Harry Reid getting involved again just like he is at the IRS

[cripplecreek]

I’m rather offended that Indians get special rights to open Casinos all over the country while we palefaces can’t.

I’m no fan of gambling but I’m even less a fan of the equal protection clause of the constitution being a one way street.

[Haiku Guy]

I think it would be funny as all git out if the cancellation is upheld, leading to a flood of non-licensed Redskin-logo apparel and other items on the market. It is not right that the team loses out on this revenue, but having every other person between North Carolina and Baltimore running around in a Redskin jersey would be hilarious!

[FatherofFive]

Call them the Rednecks. and use those small round potatoes as the mascot.

I like my redskins fried in butter with onions, garlic and rosemary.

[Unam Sanctam]

The use of the name for a team implies the American Indians were great warriors. I don’t see how that is disparaging. At least in previous generations, that would likely be viewed as a compliment.

[READINABLUESTATE]

So.... now anybody can use the name? for anything?

[cripplecreek]

Many revolutionary era depictions of Columbia representing the rebellious American colonies was as a native American woman.