The name Washington Redskins is disparaging to Native Americans!
That├óΓé¼Γäós what the United States Patent and Trademark Office concluded just now, echoing what nearly everyone else has already realized – The Washington Redskins team name needs to go!
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled 2-1 to CANCEL the NFL franchise’s trademark in a landmark case that could sack this offensive icon and name for good!
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has refused to change his team’s name, stating that this is about tradition!
But after a group of Native Americans filed a complaint for the second time with the U.S. Patent Office, he may be forced to give up and go with a far less offensive name for his team.
The decision however will not take effect immediately. The Redskins will remain the Redskins during Snyder’s official appeal.
But the organization DOES lose a significant portion of its ability to protect its financial interests, meaning if others wanted to print and sell the name and logo sweatshirts, hats or other apparel, it will be hard to go after them legally.
And that’s bad business for the NFL as a whole!
Merchandise sales are shared 31 ways (every team in the league except for Dallas since they think they’re better than everyone) so if the Redskins lose money, they ALL lose money!
Just ANOTHER reason to change the name!
[Image via AP Images.]