Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Trademark Lawsuits, Rather Than Public Opinion, May Affect Washington Redskins' Name Change
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: October 18, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Washington Redskins, and petitions to change the team’s name, continues to fuel public opinion.
While Oneida Indian Nation has claimed the name is degrading and racist, sports law analysts argue that it will likely be quiet trademark lawsuits that affect whether the team chooses to change its name.
Daniel Snyder, who purchased the Redskins in 1999, has noted that he will never change the team’s name.
“That tradition – the song, the cheer – it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redskins fan in the D.C. area and across the nation,” said Snyder, according to New York Daily News. “Our past isn’t just where we came from – it’s who we are.”
However, during that year, a suit filed by a Native American tribe prompted the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel six trademark registrations held by the Redskins, essentially eliminating any benefits of owning these trademarks, Forbes explained.
While the suit was eventually overturned and the trademarks restored, a similar case – Blackhorse v. Pro-Football – is currently being deliberated by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The suit alleges similar claims of racism regarding the team’s name and urges the board to cancel its trademarks as a result. The potential monetary loss that could result if the team’s trademarks are indeed canceled may be costly enough to push Snyder into changing the Redskins name, the analysis suggests. However, Snyder himself has not weighed on how the outcome of the case will impact his decision.
Additionally, legal teams attempting to prove that the Redskins name is, in fact, disparaging and carries racist undertones may be somewhat challenging, especially without widespread support from other Native American tribes. A representative for the team recently cited a 2004 study from the Annenberg Institute, which found that 9 out of 10 Native Americans polled were not bothered by the name “Washington Redskins,” according to NBC Sports.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Understanding Portability for Estate and Gift Tax
Portability of estate and gift tax enables a surviving spouse to inherit any unused portion of their deceased spouse’s federal estate and gift tax exemption. So, if one spouse doesn’t utilize their full exemption, the surviving spouse can effectively double their exemption amount with regard to estate tax liability. For married couples, portability offers a […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Pet Trusts in New Jersey and New York: A Practical Estate Planning Tool
For many of us, pets are more than companions—they are members of the family. Yet they are often overlooked or inadequately provided for when it comes to estate planning. A pet trust offers a legally enforceable way to ensure that your animal continues to receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. As […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Can Trusts Be Used in Business Succession?
For many New Jersey business owners, a closely held company represents decades of work, financial investment, and personal sacrifice. Trusts in business succession planning are one of the most effective tools for protecting that value, allowing founders to control how and when the business passes to the next generation while reducing the risk of disputes, […]
Author: George McGowan
Read Before You Sign: IT Contract Pitfalls Every NJ Business Should Know
In today’s digital economy, New Jersey businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology vendors, software providers, cloud platforms, and managed IT services. Whether your company is purchasing software, migrating data to the cloud, engaging a cybersecurity consultant, or entering into a long-term managed services agreement, a careful IT contract review can have significant operational, […]
Author: George McGowan
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.