Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Trademark Lawsuits, Rather Than Public Opinion, May Affect Washington Redskins' Name Change
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: October 18, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Washington Redskins, and petitions to change the team’s name, continues to fuel public opinion.
While Oneida Indian Nation has claimed the name is degrading and racist, sports law analysts argue that it will likely be quiet trademark lawsuits that affect whether the team chooses to change its name.
Daniel Snyder, who purchased the Redskins in 1999, has noted that he will never change the team’s name.
“That tradition – the song, the cheer – it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redskins fan in the D.C. area and across the nation,” said Snyder, according to New York Daily News. “Our past isn’t just where we came from – it’s who we are.”
However, during that year, a suit filed by a Native American tribe prompted the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel six trademark registrations held by the Redskins, essentially eliminating any benefits of owning these trademarks, Forbes explained.
While the suit was eventually overturned and the trademarks restored, a similar case – Blackhorse v. Pro-Football – is currently being deliberated by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The suit alleges similar claims of racism regarding the team’s name and urges the board to cancel its trademarks as a result. The potential monetary loss that could result if the team’s trademarks are indeed canceled may be costly enough to push Snyder into changing the Redskins name, the analysis suggests. However, Snyder himself has not weighed on how the outcome of the case will impact his decision.
Additionally, legal teams attempting to prove that the Redskins name is, in fact, disparaging and carries racist undertones may be somewhat challenging, especially without widespread support from other Native American tribes. A representative for the team recently cited a 2004 study from the Annenberg Institute, which found that 9 out of 10 Native Americans polled were not bothered by the name “Washington Redskins,” according to NBC Sports.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
Commercial Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2026
Commercial real estate trends in 2026 are being shaped by shifting economic conditions, technological innovation, and evolving tenant demands. As the market adjusts to changing interest rates, capital flows, and workplace models, investors, owners, tenants, and developers must understand how these trends are influencing opportunities and risk in the year ahead. Overall Outlook for Commercial […]
Author: Michael J. Willner
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Tip Income Tax Rules Employers & Workers Need to Know
Part 2 – Tips Excluded from Income Certain employees and independent contractors may be eligible to deduct tips from their income for tax years 2025 through 2028 under provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. The deduction is capped at $25,000 per year and begins to phase out at $150,000 of modified adjusted gross […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
One Big Beautiful Bill: New Overtime Tax Rules Employers and Employees Need to Know
Part 1 – Overtime Pay and Income Tax Treatment Overview This Firm Insights post summarizes one provision of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” related to the tax treatment of overtime compensation and related employer wage reporting obligations. Overtime Pay and Employee Tax Treatment The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) generally requires that overtime be paid […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
New York’s FAIR Business Practices Act: What the New Consumer Protection Measure Means for Your Business
In 2025, New York enacted one of the most consequential updates to its consumer protection framework in decades. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR Act) significantly expands the scope and strength of New York’s long-standing consumer protection statute, General Business Law § 349, and alters the compliance landscape for New York […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.