Feds Revoke Redskin’s Trademark, They Might Get A New Name

Since our last story regarding recent protests of the Redskin name was published things have certainly been heating up.  In a recent turn of events the U.S. Patent and Trademark office has canceled 6 trademark registrations for the name Washington Redskins.  “We decide, based on the evidence properly before us, that these registrations must be cancelled because they were disparaging to Native Americans at the respective times they were registered.” The agency stated.

In response the Washington Redskins released an official statement saying, “(the decision) no effect at all on the team’s ownership of and right to use the Redskins name and logo.”  When a trademark is canceled anyone can use the name or image without fear of legal action.  However, the Redskins plan to file an appeal which will protect the trademark in the meantime.

This is nothing new for the Redskins as a similar incident occurred in 1992.  The skins eventually won their appeal in 1999 after 7 years of legal battles.   If the Redskins change their name the good thing will be the fact that this racially charged masoct will be removed from the NFL.  The bad news is that Philly fans will have to find a new way to make fun of their NFC East rivals.