After a long battle, the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a decision to cancel trademark registrations used in connection with the Washington Redskins football franchise (Pro-Football, Inc., doing business as The Washington Redskins) that consist in whole or in part of the term REDSKINS. DECISION HERE. The trademark office found that the registrations must be cancelled because they are disparaging to Native Americans. The request to cancel the trademarks was made by five individuals back in August 2006. The trademark office issued its decision on June 18, 2014, after nearly eight years of legal proceedings.
This decision concerns only the Pro-Football’s right to register the marks. The trademark office lacks authority to issue rulings concerning the right to continue to use the names. Will owner Dan Snyder change the name? The decision involves more than pride. Revenue from an NFL franchise is generated from many sources. Ticket sales are one source. Brand driven sponsorships and merchandising are other large sources of income. According to Forbes, the Washington Redskins were the third most valuable NFL team as of August 2013. ARTICLE HERE.
Perhaps public pressure will make the decision for him. Remember the Washington Redskins’ failed Twitter campaign? ARTICLE HERE.
The trademark office decision is appealable. More to come…