Watch Your Tongue Trademarks

For John, BLUF:  PC run amok (or can't I use that term because it may insult a Malay?).  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Per today's edition of The Washington Post, "U.S. patent office cancels Redskins trademark registration, says name is disparaging".  Being The Washington Post, it is filed under Local News.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has canceled the Washington Redskins trademark registration, calling the football team’s name “disparaging to Native Americans.”

The landmark case, which appeared before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, was filed on behalf of five Native Americans.  It was the second time such a case was filed.

So, there will be an appeal and then we will see.  The owner, Dan Snyder, seems to be digging his heals in.  Personally, I find the PC aspects of this to be on the abusive side.  On the other hand, the law is the law and providing Mr Snyder with excess profits through trademark protection is not a high priority for me.  Heck, if I could I would abolish the "Mickey Mouse" Copyright Extension Law.♠

Here is the bad news:

...Gabriel Feldman, the director of the sports law program at Tulane University, said it’s possible the ruling could affect the view that league officials and owners of other NFL franchises have of the matter.  The sport’s revenue-sharing system gives them all a stake.

More bullying, just like with the Lakers owner.

Someone commented on the news that "it just means everyone else can use it too…", widening its use.  The Commenter concludes "Good going."

Frankly, I find this small potatoes.  The big deal is the use of "The Orangemen".  I find that very offensive and if you don't you are either Scottish, Dutch or ignorant.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Well, officially, the Copyright Term Extension Law, but also as "the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, Sonny Bono Act, or (derisively) the Mickey Mouse Protection Act."  (Wikipedia)