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Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago

In regard to the conclusions reached by the Eastern District of Virginia in Blackhorse, some significant issues arise. In regard to the “may disparage” language under 2(a) of the Lanham Act, it appears that there may be some merit to Pro-Football, Inc.’s argument that the language is vague. In their brief filed October 30, 2015, Pro-Football, Inc. argues that the language in 2(a) is vague, and fails regardless of the level of scrutiny applied. This argument focuses, not on the REDSKINS trademark itself, but on the constitutionality of the provision that would allow for the TTAB to refuse to register… Read more »

Adrien
Adrien
7 years ago

The Washington Redskins team has been embattled over controversy surrounding their name for decades. The controversy arises because the term “redskin” is in fact a racial slur discriminating Native-Americans. In 2015, the Eastern District Court of Virginia canceled the team trademark pursuant to Section 14 of the Trademark Act of 1946 (US), 15 U.S.C. 1064 (c) on the grounds that the marks disparaged persons and brought them into contempt and disrepute. This case raises three important questions that will be addressed in turn here: 1) whether it is necessary for the government to ban offensive trademarks; 2) when is a… Read more »

Jaime
Jaime
6 years ago

It’s interesting to look at this case two years later and see how while this may have been a moral victory for the native American community, it has done very little to affect the still large Redskins football community. Further, new common law precedent made at the federal level has worked to discredit the arguments made by the Eastern District of Virginia and make it likely that if the Redskins continue litigation, will likely succeed in reversing the decision of the Eastern District Court and allow the Redskins to regain their trademark. In endorsing the decision of the Trademark Trial… Read more »

Jay
Jay
3 years ago

Despite owner Daniel Snyder’s past comments about “never” changing his team’s name, the Washington football team officially retired the “Redskins” name on July 13, 2020. Rosa Sanchez, NFL’s Washington Redskins to change name following years of backlash, ABC NEWS (July 13, 2020), https://abcnews.go.com/US/washington-redskins-change-years-backlash/story?id=71744369. “American society is undergoing a wide uprising over police brutality and systemic racism that flared after the killing of George Floyd in police custody, a widespread movement that has led to a reconsideration of statues, flags, symbols and mascots considered to be racist or celebrating racist history.” Kevin Draper, Washington and the N.F.L. Might Change the Redskins… Read more »

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