Feds cancel Redskins trademark

[Clocker]

The Redskins will no doubt keep the right to the name as the ruling goes through appeals.

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruled today in Blackhorse v. Pro-Football Inc., a suit brought by a group of Native Americans seeking to have the Washington Redskins' trademarks canceled on the grounds that the name is disparaging. The plaintiffs achieved a major victory: the board ruled against the team.

Full story here. (http://deadspin.com/appeal-board-rules-against-redskins-cancels-trademark-1592527430)

[cj]

This is a good thing, hit Snyder in the wallet where it will be felt.

[horses4courses]

I think the "tomahawk chop" performed at Atlanta baseball games is pretty darn offensive.
What self-respecting person would lift their arm up and chant like some actor on a bad 1950's western?
C'mon people..... :bang:

[Clocker]

What self-respecting person would lift their arm up and chant like some actor on a bad 1950's western?


FSU fans. They are a lot more annoying. :p

[DJofSD]

The logical conclusion to all of this PC crap is to completely erase any and all references to the Native Americans. Any reference to the people, places and things associated with them need to be purged since we can not endure any possible misrepresentation or misuse.

So, let's start changing all of those place names throughout the United States, I mean, it's only fair, right?

[cj]

Personally, I think it is up to Native Americans to decide what constitutes what is offensive and what is not, but apparently that is just me.

[Marshall Bennett]

Does all this mean kids can't play cowboys and indians any longer? :)

[TJDave]

FSU fans. They are a lot more annoying. :p

FSU actually licenses the name and mascot rights from the Seminole tribes.

[PhantomOnTour]

Does all this mean kids can't play cowboys and indians any longer? :)
Only if the Indians win 50% of the time :D

[ArlJim78]

Personally, I think it is up to Native Americans to decide what constitutes what is offensive and what is not, but apparently that is just me.
Of course every individual can decide for his or herself, but then what? I hope you're not implying that all Native Americans are in lockstep on this. some find it offensive, others don't. Some non-Native Americans find it offensive. many don't.

The point is we've gone too far trying to appease every special interest group claiming to be offended by this or that.

[Clocker]

FSU actually licenses the name and mascot rights from the Seminole tribes.

That doesn't make them sound any less like Hollywood Indians from a a bad 1950's western. :p

[cj]

Of course every individual can decide for his or herself, but then what? I hope you're not implying that all Native Americans are in lockstep on this. some find it offensive, others don't. Some non-Native Americans find it offensive. many don't.

The point is we've gone too far trying to appease every special interest group claiming to be offended by this or that.

I'm sure some people do, some don't. For me, if more than a handful of people find it racially offensive, it needs to go. Just my opinion of course. I wouldn't call a race of people a special interest group.

[Robert Goren]

Personally, I think it is up to Native Americans to decide what constitutes what is offensive and what is not, but apparently that is just me. No, it not just you. I agree with you 100%

[Robert Fischer]

I'm sure we can find a million worse examples than the Redskins.

I'm sure that team owners and fans can do an excellent job of defending the team name and product.

..., and I'm sure we can find or pay Native American leaders to go as far as to say that they love the Redskin's team name/product and that they feel 'honored' by it.


However, it remains a basic example of how profit is more important than basic good taste.

The Redskins are a profitable business. Changing the name is risky. For now, it is more cost-effective to continue on with the Redskin team name, and to invest in positive media propaganda as necessary.

[cj]

I'm sure we can find a million worse examples than the Redskins.

I'm sure that team owners and fans can do an excellent job of defending the team and product.

..., and I'm sure we can find or pay Native American leaders to go as far to say that they love the Redskin's team name/product and that they feel 'honored' by it.


However, it remains a basic example of how profit is more important than basic good taste.

The Redskins are a profitable business. Changing the name is risky. For now, it is more cost-effective to continue on with the Redskin team name, and to invest in positive media propaganda as necessary.

A million worse examples of racist names for sport teams, or even any business for that matter? How about giving just a few.

[Robert Goren]

Of course every individual can decide for his or herself, but then some find it offensive, others don't. Some non-Native Americans find it offensive. many don't.what? I hope you're not implying that all Native Americans are in lockstep on this.

The point is we've gone too far trying to appease every special interest group claiming to be offended by this or that. The only who don't are being paid. At least that the way it appears to me.

[Robert Fischer]

A million worse examples of racist names for sport teams, or even any business for that matter? How about giving just a few.

Good point.

[tucker6]

Of course every individual can decide for his or herself, but then what? I hope you're not implying that all Native Americans are in lockstep on this. some find it offensive, others don't. Some non-Native Americans find it offensive. many don't.

The point is we've gone too far trying to appease every special interest group claiming to be offended by this or that.
I am considered a Native American (20% Shawnee), and the use of the term "Redskins" doesn't bother me in the least. I grew up with the phrase, "sticks and stones ..." so a name is nothing unless you want it to be something. Additionally, the use in this context is/was not meant in a derogatory manner. I have 999 more important things to do with my life than worry about this issue.

[RaceBookJoe]

I might be the sole Redskins fan here, and hope they don't change the name. I don't believe for 1 second that the name was ever meant to insult anyone, and personally find the Cleveland Indians cartoon-image more racist than the name Redskins. I think this country has quite a few more important pressing issues than this, but maybe that's just me.

[Clocker]

I think this country has quite a few more important pressing issues than this

Not for people who make a life out of choosing to be offended.

[RaceBookJoe]

Not for people who make a life out of choosing to be offended.

Yep, its either the mentality of " you owe me " or " im a victim" , absolutely disgusted with this pussification of America.

[Robert Fischer]

I might be the sole Redskins fan here,

I was a huge 'Skins fan growing up.

[Robert Goren]

I might be the sole Redskins fan here, and hope they don't change the name. I don't believe for 1 second that the name was ever meant to insult anyone, and personally find the Cleveland Indians cartoon-image more racist than the name Redskins. I think this country has quite a few more important pressing issues than this, but maybe that's just me.Originally the name probably wasn't to offensive, but thing changes and in todays world it is. Remember when the team adopted the names they still had separate restrooms of blacks and sports including the NFL didn't have black players, although they allowed a few Native American were allowed to play, but not very many.

[RaceBookJoe]

I was a huge 'Skins fan growing up.

Nice, 1971 was the 1st year I remember being a fan..i was 5. A lot of tough seasons to go through with a few great shining moments :)

[RaceBookJoe]

Originally the name probably wasn't to offensive, but thing changes and in todays world it is. Remember when the team adopted the names they still had separate restrooms of blacks and sports including the NFL didn't have black players, although they allowed a few Native American were allowed to play, but not very many.

So maybe they can just change their helmets to a potato, I guess a Redskin potato cant be offensive..but in this world who knows right. The saddest part to that previous sentence...Redskin Potatoes have thicker skins than most people do nowadays :)

[DJofSD]

Originally the name probably wasn't to offensive, but thing changes and in todays world it is. Remember when the team adopted the names they still had separate restrooms of blacks and sports including the NFL didn't have black players, although they allowed a few Native American were allowed to play, but not very many.
Well then let's not offend the vegetarians out there. Green Bay must change their name, now!

The PETA crowd needs appeasement, so, Ram's, Dolphin's, Eagle's, get busy.

[Robert Goren]

So maybe they can just change their helmets to a potato, I guess a Redskin potato cant be offensive..but in this world who knows right. The saddest part to that previous sentence...Redskin Potatoes have thicker skins than most people do nowadays :) It is a great world when offensive terms aren't about, you isn't it. ;)

[JustRalph]

It's wholesale theft

The government is overstepping as usual.

If the fans want it changed, they can stop going to games, buying Jerseys etc

Next PETA will want the Dolphins to change their name. You know Dolphins can communicate.......they must be offended

[RaceBookJoe]

It is a great world when offensive terms aren't about, you isn't it. ;)

Warning/Disclaimer : the next paragraph might have a word that many don't like, so read at your own "risk" and choice.

Most of the complaints are coming from people with ZERO Native American blood. So if that's the case, i guess anyone can be offended by anything. Since i hate and am offended by the word ******, how about we ban that from music and movies first. Turn on hip-hop radio, its ******-this/******-that. Kids aren't even allowed to read Huck Finn or watch Disney's Song of the South anymore. Lets just erase all words that might currently or sometime in the future upset somebody. But i am really interested in watching a remake of Roots with pc language because that should be realistic and historical :rolleyes:
ps: that above paragraph is in no way meant to insult/upset etc anyone, just trying to get my thought across.

[RaceBookJoe]

It's wholesale theft

The government is overstepping as usual.

If the fans want it changed, they can stop going to games, buying Jerseys etc

Next PETA will want the Dolphins to change their name. You know Dolphins can communicate.......they must be offended

Yep. Redskins = Brave Warriors, Vikings= marauders/rapists. I just want to know where this all stops.

[Robert Fischer]

I'm not offended. They could change the name/logo to just about anything widely agreed to be more offensive or even obscene, and I wouldn't really care.

Most rational Native Americans probably do not care either.

The point to me is that we have these things that are supposedly the way our society is supposed to operate, in terms of use of language, and yet, because the NFL is a billion dollar business, and the Redskins are a successful part of that, and because of the media power that goes along with that financial power, the Redskins are for some reason not subject to those supposed societal standards.

If we are going to pretend to have some kind of politically correct societal standards, a business shouldn't be immune to those standards simply because they are wildly successful and are part of sports media programming.

It's a minor annoyance. An inefficiency in the system. A glitch in the matrix.

[RaceBookJoe]

Redskins response ;

http://files.redskins.com/pdf/Statement-by-Bob-Raskopf-Trademark-Attorney-for-the-Washington-Redskins.pdf

[Tom]

Nice to know all the real problems of the world have been solved.

How about renaming them the Washington Low-Lifes, and they all have a picture of the Capital on their helmets, and, of course, the team mascot will have to be revised.......The Fighting Dingies!

[DJofSD]

Geeze, talk about giving peeps with tats a bad name.

[Tom]

Geeze, talk about giving peeps with tats a bad name.

Did you mean "tats?"

[JustRalph]

Did you mean "tats?"

New names?


"Washington Dictators! "

Probably won't fly........offends potato farmers

"Vanishing Emails".

[DJofSD]

Did you mean "tats?"
(In the most false indignant manner) I most certainly did!

If I meant the other, it would have been t*ts.

[Stillriledup]

This is a good thing, hit Snyder in the wallet where it will be felt.

Why would you want Snyder to be hit in the wallet?

[jballscalls]

gotta love when people compare humans to vegetables and cheese.

[horses4courses]

FSU fans. They are a lot more annoying. :p

Yes, I knew that as well, but didn't have time this morning to mention it.
Six of one, half dozen of the other.

[Robert Goren]

I don't think it would make any difference to Snyder's bottom line. The NFL is socialism at its best. There aren't very many things that aren't split 32 ways. They are not MLB or the NBA by a long shot.

[Robert Goren]

If the patent/trademark issue goes the wrong way, the NFL will force a change. They are not about let anybody sell something with a team name/logo on it without getting their cut. There is too much money to made to stand on principle for very long.

[Dave Schwartz]

I am considered a Native American (20% Shawnee),

Tucker,

I mean no disrespect here... this is a serious question.

"How does one become 20% anything?"

I mean, I understand 50% - That means one of your parents was Shawnee.

I understand 25% - That means one of your grandparents was Shawnee. (Or is that 1/8?)

But how do you get to 1/5 of the gene pool?

[tucker6]

Tucker,

I mean no disrespect here... this is a serious question.

"How does one become 20% anything?"

I mean, I understand 50% - That means one of your parents was Shawnee.

I understand 25% - That means one of your grandparents was Shawnee. (Or is that 1/8?)

But how do you get to 1/5 of the gene pool?
By rounding. It's easier to type 20 than 18.75. My grandmother was 3/4 indian. As she used to say back in the 70's, "my mother was a squaw, and my father was a half breed". My how times change. :D

[Stillriledup]

New names?


"Washington Dictators! "

Probably won't fly........offends potato farmers

"Vanishing Emails".

How about the Washington Socialists? :D

[newtothegame]

A million worse examples of racist names for sport teams, or even any business for that matter? How about giving just a few.

High school team in California......" Coachella Valley Arabs"

Hockey..."Blackhawks"

Notre Dame "Fighting Irish"

K.C. "Chiefs"

Atlanta "Braves"

N.J. "Devils"

Now this is not to say I find them offensive but, they have all been mentioned previously or in conjunction with the "redskins" national drama.

Point is, anyone can say I find it or a name offensive and wham....lawsuits!

This is more about the political correctness versus the "skins" for me.

Come to think of it. I am offended that bread is called "white bread" when I go to subway. :lol:

[ArlJim78]

where's all the outrage over Red Man chewing tobacco?

[JustRalph]

where's all the outrage over Red Man chewing tobacco?

You mean the official State Lunch of West Virginia? That brings back some memories........ :lol:

[ArlJim78]

My Grandpa was always working on a giant chaw. He was a switch hitter though, he'd go back and forth between Red Man and Mail Pouch.

[TJDave]

A million worse examples of racist names for sport teams, or even any business for that matter? How about giving just a few.

I respectfully submit:

The Tecumseh Savages

Tecumseh is the former county seat of Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

[rastajenk]

Washington Scandals :ThmbUp:

[cj]

I respectfully submit:

The Tecumseh Savages

Tecumseh is the former county seat of Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.

The high school? My daughter played a tennis tourney there, couldn't believe the name.

[GaryG]

I respectfully submit:

The Tecumseh Savages

Tecumseh is the former county seat of Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma.I have been told that town was the inspiration for Townes Van Zandt's classic Tecumseh Valley. The song mentions Spencer which is about 30 miles away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rq5GsZHd0Y

[Robert Goren]

The question I have for the less government conservatives here: Should the government even be in business of giving out trademarks?

[TJDave]

I have been told that town was the inspiration for Townes Van Zandt's classic Tecumseh Valley. The song mentions Spencer which is about 30 miles away.


Different State. Spencer Ohio.

[DJofSD]

The question I have for the less government conservatives here: Should the government even be in business of giving out trademarks?
You've confused me.

Since when does the government give out trade marks? :confused:

[JustRalph]

You've confused me.

Since when does the government give out trade marks? :confused:

You can register a trademark. A little expensive

[DJofSD]

You can register a trademark. A little expensive
Maybe I'm splitting hairs.

Registering and giving out connote two different things in my mind.

[DJofSD]

http://www.tpnn.com/2014/06/19/will-harry-reid-tell-this-100-navajo-indian-high-school-their-redskins-mascot-is-racist/

[RaceBookJoe]

http://www.tpnn.com/2014/06/19/will-harry-reid-tell-this-100-navajo-indian-high-school-their-redskins-mascot-is-racist/

Nice one. I might be wrong, but I always thought "Oklahoma" was Chocktaw for "Red People"...again, I might be slightly off on that.

[Robert Goren]

You've confused me.

Since when does the government give out trade marks? :confused:from 1870 for the federal government as near as I can tell although their history goes back much further in "common law" and there have been lawsuits over them since the country began and well before that in English courts. All state governments also give out trademarks.

[TJDave]

Nice one. I might be wrong, but I always thought "Oklahoma" was Chocktaw for "Red People"...again, I might be slightly off on that.

Correct.

FYI, The Choctaw are one of the five civilized ;) tribes I learned about in my Oklahoma history class. My teacher, Quanah Cox, was the great-grandson of the last great chief of the Comanche, Quanah Parker.

How times have changed.

[RaceBookJoe]

Correct.

FYI, The Choctaw are one of the five civilized ;) tribes I learned about in my Oklahoma history class. My teacher, Quanah Cox, was the great-grandson of the last great chief of the Comanche, Quanah Parker.

How times have changed.

Thanks for confirming, couldn't remember if it was true or a rumor I had heard. That must have been a cool learning experience.

[JustRalph]

I'm 1/86th American Indian. I'm not offended

[cj's dad]

I'm 1/86th American Indian. I'm not offended

That is why I kept you off the fire water when we were at the track.

[cj's dad]

Many, many 'skins fans here in the area. I'm tellin' ya, they are having a fit.

Senators is available.

[PICSIX]

What about the same govenment's Apache Helicopters & Tomahawk Missiles....are these offensive names?

[TJDave]

What about the same govenment's Apache Helicopters & Tomahawk Missiles....are these offensive names?

I suppose if you were a pacifist Apache... :rolleyes:

[Zydeco]

I am going to stop using Land o Lakes butter and trade in my Jeep Cherokee.

[Ocala Mike]

This whole Redskins thing seems to me to be nothing more than a "tempest in a tepee."

Sorry, couldn't help it! :) :) :) :)

[JustRalph]

I am going to stop using Land o Lakes butter and trade in my Jeep Cherokee.

That's great! :lol:

[Marshall Bennett]

Cleveland Indians, has to go. Cleveland Browns, this could offend numerous ethnic groups, out the window.
Used to love following these teams, I'll never watch again. :D

[burnsy]

Why would you want Snyder to be hit in the wallet?

Actually it won't. They are one of the popular teams. If there's a change he will make more off the "new" logo and all the crap that goes with it. I think he's sticking to principle. Which is fine but the NFL does not want the hassle. That will probably be the tipping point. When someone behind closed doors from the NFL constantly calls him on it.

[DJofSD]

from 1870 for the federal government as near as I can tell although their history goes back much further in "common law" and there have been lawsuits over them since the country began and well before that in English courts. All state governments also give out trademarks.
Governments do not "give out" trademarks. They register them. The trademark is the property of the company, not the government. The government determines the validity of the trademark and protects against infringement. The trademark is not the creation of government and therefore it can not transfer ownership.

[Robert Goren]

Governments do not "give out" trademarks. They register them. The trademark is the property of the company, not the government. The government determines the validity of the trademark and protects against infringement. The trademark is not the creation of government and therefore it can not transfer ownership.Semantics! The government picks and chooses who will get what trademark. It is not always a first come, first get basis.
Remember the courts are part of the government too.

[DJofSD]

Semantics! The government picks and chooses who will get what trademark. It is not always a first come, first get basis.
Remember the courts are part of the government too.
Some how I knew you'd say something along those lines.

I would say it is more than semantics. Differences between the meaning of words such as "may" v. "must" along with punctuation form important distinctions.

Yes, the court system is a part of government too, and, one that is suppose to be independent.

[JustRalph]

That is why I kept you off the fire water when we were at the track.

You're killing me :lol: :lol:

Would you believe me if I said I own the box set of F Troop?

My fav was Don Rickles playing an Indian.

Queens born Jew playing a crazy Native American ........... :lol:

I'm 1/86th HeKawi

[rastajenk]

FYI, The Choctaw are one of the five civilized ;) tribes I learned about in my Oklahoma history class. My teacher, Quanah Cox, was the great-grandson of the last great chief of the Comanche, Quanah Parker.
Hey Dave, are you familiar with this book, about the making of the movie The Searchers? I stumbled into it this winter, an easy read about the true story that inspired the book that inspired the classic movie (which, by the way mountainman included in his Overrated List a few months ago; I digress, but I disagree...). Quanah Parker is featured heavily in it, being that it was his mother Cynthia Ann Parker that was kidnapped and searched for back in those early Texas frontier times. He somehow was one of the last warrior chiefs, yet was also one of the first to see that assimilation, even if on reservations, was the inevitable future of his people, and resistance was to be futile.

Your teacher may have appeared in the book. The Parker clan, both the Indian and white-man sides of the family, seem to have come together to embrace the various legacies of the story, and the modern members were key to the author's research and narrative.

It's a small pic, but it's The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend by Glenn Frankel.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81DgcvqSI%2BL._SX75_CR,0,0,75,75_.jpg

[ArlJim78]

Welcome to Red Mesa High School, located on an Indian reservation in Red Mesa, Arizona.

Student population nearly 100% Navajo

proud home to the Red Mesa Redskins,

http://rmusdhs.ss4.sharpschool.com/home

[Stillriledup]

Welcome to Red Mesa High School, located on an Indian reservation in Red Mesa, Arizona.

Student population nearly 100% Navajo

proud home to the Red Mesa Redskins,

http://rmusdhs.ss4.sharpschool.com/home

Hmmm. Makes you wonder. :eek:

[JustRalph]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/20/opinion/randazza-redskins-constitutional/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

This guy gets it right, and he's qualified to make the judgement from a legal standpoint

[Stillriledup]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/20/opinion/randazza-redskins-constitutional/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

This guy gets it right, and he's qualified to make the judgement from a legal standpoint

Great article, hard to argue with anything he said.

[cj's dad]

You're killing me :lol: :lol:

Would you believe me if I said I own the box set of F Troop?

My fav was Don Rickles playing an Indian.

Queens born Jew playing a crazy Native American ........... :lol:

I'm 1/86th HeKawi

A friend told me years ago that he was a Fakarwi Indian. I said I had never heard of that tribe. He responded that when he was 4 or 5 he was in the the woods we his grandfather and asked what kind of indian he was. At the same time, the grandfather realized they were lost and shouted out where the Fu-- are we !