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'Disparaging' Redskins team trademarks cancelled | 'Disparaging' Redskins team trademarks cancelled |
(34 minutes later) | |
The US Patent and Trademark Office has cancelled the Washington Redskins trademarks, finding the football team's name disparages Native Americans. | The US Patent and Trademark Office has cancelled the Washington Redskins trademarks, finding the football team's name disparages Native Americans. |
The case was filed on behalf of five Native Americans who argued the trademarked team name was offensive. | The case was filed on behalf of five Native Americans who argued the trademarked team name was offensive. |
Members of the US Congress and many in the US sport media have called for the team's name to be changed. | Members of the US Congress and many in the US sport media have called for the team's name to be changed. |
But owner Daniel Snyder has refused, saying it honours Native Americans. The team may appeal against the decision. | But owner Daniel Snyder has refused, saying it honours Native Americans. The team may appeal against the decision. |
'Racial slur' | 'Racial slur' |
In its decision released on Wednesday in the case of Blackhorse v Pro Football, Inc, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board said that federal law does not allow trademarks disparaging of individuals or groups. | |
"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 board wrote. | |
The ruling applies to six trademarks - all containing the word Redskin - associated with the Washington DC National Football League (NFL) team. | The ruling applies to six trademarks - all containing the word Redskin - associated with the Washington DC National Football League (NFL) team. |
The team can retain the trademark protection during an appeal process in the federal court system, however. | |
Should the trademarks ultimately be lost, the Redskins may continue using the name but will lose the right to sue those who infringe upon its use. | |
Last month, half of the US Senate called on the NFL to order Mr Snyder to change the team name, calling it a "racial slur". | Last month, half of the US Senate called on the NFL to order Mr Snyder to change the team name, calling it a "racial slur". |
In a letter to Commissioner Roger Goodell, the senators said the league could no longer ignore calls from Native American groups. | |
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid - who represents more than two dozen tribes in Nevada - also said on Monday he would no longer attend Redskins games until the name is changed. | |
Mr Obama, an American football fan, has also urged the Washington DC team to consider changing it. | Mr Obama, an American football fan, has also urged the Washington DC team to consider changing it. |
But Mr Snyder cited polling he said suggested the public opposed a name change. | But Mr Snyder cited polling he said suggested the public opposed a name change. |