Read more at http://shark-tank.com/2015/07/09/federal-judge-orders-cancellation-of-redskins-trademark-registration/On Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the cancellation of the Washington Redskins federal trademark registrations. It is the biggest blow to the NFL team thus far.
The cancellation is seen as a “huge victory” by the activists but according to the Washington Post, it does not go into effect until the team has exhausted the appeals process.
Redskins President, Bruce Allen is not giving up. He said:
We are convinced that we will win on appeal as the facts and the law are on the side of our franchise that has proudly used the name Washington Redskins for more than 80 years.
Even if the Redskins take the issue to the Supreme Court and lose they can still use “Redskins” and seek trademark protection from the state. The team is arguing the cancellation of their trademark will tarnish their brand and remove legal benefits that would protect them against copycats.
The NFL team is arguing the majority of Native Americans are not offended by there name whereas the opposition is saying they find it very offensive and want it changed.
Five Native American activists have been pursuing the case against the Redskins. They include Amanda Blackhorse who is a Navajo Indian known for leading protests against the team.
Blackhorse has said:
This case is about humanizing the indigenous identity. I have asked this many times before and have never heard a sensible answer — if people wouldn’t date all a Native American a ‘redskin’ because they know it is offensive, how can an NFL football team have this name?
Other courts have concluded Blackhorse did not reach the burden of proof by showing enough Native Americans find the NFL teams name offensive.
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