Patent office drops Redskin Trademark

[Orange Julia]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/us-patent-office-cancels-redskins-trademark-registration-says-name-is-disparaging/2014/06/18/e7737bb8-f6ee-11e3-8aa9-dad2ec039789_story.html
 
Didn't see a new thread about this-- There are a lot of angry Redskins fans out there today.  It seems to me that now the gear you have is gonna be worth $ as a collectable and the new gear you buy is going to make the organization a ton of cheddar.

 

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.
 

 
 

 

[CoRP]

Except that now, anyone can make that gear (assuming this is upheld on appeal) and sell it.

 

[pedro1918]

Never mind.

 

[SumnerH]

Except that now, anyone can make that gear (assuming this is upheld on appeal) and sell it.

 
As mentioned in the other thread, this only affects the (R), not the TM; the trademark is still enforceable without registration, other people can't use it.
 
A lawyer can clarify the exact distinction, but I think the major upshot is that (assuming this ruling is upheld) they have to sue in state courts and get actual damages, rather than suing in Federal courts and getting treble damages.

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

http://sonsofsamhorn.net/topic/77425-palefaces-redskins-name-ok/?p=5478681