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Posted on 06/18/2014 9:21:49 AM PDT by kingattax
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Patent Office ruled Wednesday that the Washington Redskins nickname is "disparaging of Native Americans" and that the team's federal trademarks for the name must be canceled.
The 2-1 ruling comes after a campaign to change the name gained momentum over the past year. The team doesn't immediately lose trademark protection and is allowed to retain it during an appeal, which is likely.
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the team's name, citing tradition, but there has been growing pressure including statements in recent months from President Barack Obama, lawmakers of both parties and civil rights groups.
The decision means that the team can continue to use the Redskins name, but it would lose a significant portion of its ability to protect the financial interests connected to its use. If others printed the name on sweatshirts, apparel, or other team material, it becomes more difficult to go after groups who use it without permission.
The case involves six registered trademarks that involve the use of the word Redskins, but it does not apply to the team's logo
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
What absolute Bravo Sierra.
This is purely a political decision. Those trademarks have stood for years. Obama and his cohorts are now politicizing the patent office.
Who’s surprised?
How many other pro teams have Indian names? How many universities, colleges, high schools have Indian names?
I’m all for changing the name to something fitting.
- Washington Thinskins
- Washington Parasites
- Washington Deficit
No matter how you feel, the US Patent Office has zero authority to make such a ruling.
This is a matter for the Court system to determine if anyone can regulate what you call something or someone.
Now if they wanted to call themselves “Jedi”, this would be covered under current Copyright laws.
At this rate, soon all reference to Indians will be relegated to the history books and political speeches about oppressed Native Americans. Do they really want to disappear from memory? No Warriors, no Apaches, no Red Skins.
Washington Foreskins has my vote. It fits. Bunch of dicks.
The Founders were super-duper big on patents and trademarks because they recognized that private property was the single most important facet of a free Republic.
I don’t recall hearing about “curbing” rules in civics class in regards to current and subjective attitudes about what is “OK” and what is not.
Along with all of the other Constitutional travesties that we have seen so far this ranks as a major milestone. A major milestone.
Redskins get to appeal this ruling, but we all know that office is being controlled by Obama.
Landmark.
EVERYBODY should wear a RS hat and go toss it over the WH fence.
Rush is all over this the first half-hour of his show.
Washington potato skins. I dob’t care, Until these rich team owners stop taking taxpayer dollars, I hope they and their PC adversaries kill each other.
Losing the “registered” status means they can still use the name, but so can anyone else (knock-off sports gear and tee-shirts).
“Washington Foreskins has my vote. It fits. Bunch of dicks.”
I like your suggestion better than mine.
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