USPTO Cancels ‘Redskins’ Trademark As Disparaging

The U.S. Patent Office has waded into the politics of the National Football League, declaring the Washington Redskins trademark “disparaging to Native Americans,” and cancelling it summarily this week. The case before the Trademark Trial and Appeal board challenged six different trademarks associated with the team. It was filed on behalf of five Native Americansand marks the second time such a challenge was brought before the USPTO. Registration of trademarks that “may disparage” individuals or groups or “bring them into contempt or disrepute” are not permitted under federal trademark law. “This victory was a long time coming and reflects the hard work of many attorneys at our firm,” lead attorney Jesse Witten, of Drinker Biddle & Reath, told The Washington Post. The team is expected to appeal.