Music/Events/Other

Washington Redskins’ Trademark To Be Canceled

Posted on June 18th, 2014 · Music/Events/Other

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* Washington Redskins’ Trademark To be Canceled.

Just read this “news” on the AP-wire…

Since Jeff Eats is a Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and New York Giants fan—this Redskins’ “thing” is of no real concern to me–on a “basic” level…

That said, my money says that some Federal Court is gonna say that the US Patent Office can’t do this…

I was just thinking -based on the public “out cry”-the State of OKLAHOMA may have to change its name, the folks over in England may have to stop calling cigarettes FAGS, the Kansas City Chiefs may have some problems and atheists may not be too thrilled with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. Come to think of it, if somebody was real clever-they could even find fault with the Green Bay PACKERS name.

You- know what a Pandora’s Box is?
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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.

The decision by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board is similar to one it issued in 1999. That ruling was overturned in 2003 in large part on a technicality after the courts decided that the plaintiffs should have filed their complaint soon after the Redskins registered their nickname in 1967.

The new case was launched in 2006 by a younger group of Native Americans, and was heard by the board in March of last year.

The group argued that the Redskins should lose their federal trademark protection based on a law that prohibits registered names that are disparaging, scandalous, contemptuous or disreputable.

Suzan Shown Harjo, one of the plaintiffs who testified at last year’s hearing, said she was “thrilled and delighted” with the decision. Snyder declined to speak to reporters as he walked off the practice field, but the team said it planned to release a statement later in the day.

In Washington, lawmakers who have pushed for a name change applauded the decision. In May, half of the Senate wrote letters to the NFL urging the team to change its name.

“Daniel Snyder may be the last person in the world to realize this, but it’s just a matter of time until he is forced to do the right thing and change the name,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has said previously he will not attend home games until the team changes its name.

5 Comments to “Washington Redskins’ Trademark To Be Canceled”

  1. CHARLES says...

    JEFF –
    Maybe they will have to change the name of
    SPIC and SPAN !

  2. mark says...

    If we allow a known racial slur to be used then why not the then New York kikes or the Seatle spics the Dallas wet backs the New Orleans wops and my new team the New Engand Niggers. If i offended anyone i am sorry just making a point. I would assume the only people who would be by the name Redskin would be the American Indians so please ask them how they feel abount the name.

    • TURNER says...

      I think what you will find if you go through various names and words many are offensive to some segment of the population. Sort of like you can’t please everyone. I think that the government should stay out of people’s business. If someone thinks REDSKINS is offensive don’t back the team or buy its mdse. But for the govt to get involved is absurd. I’m sure that there are people who are offended by the term YANKEE.
      The point of the argument let the free mkt handle this and not some govt bureaucrat.

  3. whack-a-mole says...

    Rather than change the name of the team, they should just change the logo — to a potato!

    Who could object to a nice, tasty redskin potato?

  4. ZED says...

    Dumb move by the government.
    The Courts will reverse it.
    The government has to stay out of people’s way.

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