By Ken Reed
Federal judge Gerald Bruce Lee has ordered the Patent and Trademark Office to cancel registration of the Washington Redskins’ trademarks due to their racist nature.
The big blow to the Washington organization from this ruling will be financial. The team can still use the Redskins name and associated trademarks, however, it will be very hard for the franchise to stop others from also using them, which likely would result in a significant negative impact on the team’s revenue.
Lee’s ruling increases the growing pressure on the Washington franchise to drop the “R” word nickname.
The Obama administration has said they won’t agree to let the team use the federal land on the floor of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium unless the team’s name is changed.
Moreover, the country is growing less tolerant of racist names and symbols as evidenced by the loud national outcry calling for the removal of the confederate flag from the South Carolina capitol grounds.
Lee is on the right side of history. Perhaps his ruling will help slowly pull Washington owner Daniel Snyder with him.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Books
