The U.S. Patent and Trade Office canceled the Washington Redskins’ trademark registration Wednesday after a 2-1 ruling, declaring its name offensive to Native Americans.
This is not the first time the team has had its trademark withdrawn. In 1992, a group of Native Americans that have long debated the nature of the nickname of the team brought the case to court and attempted to get the football team’s name changed. The ruling was overturned and the team regained its trademark.
Owned by Dan Snyder, the Redskins will not be forced to change its name. However, the ruling now limits the ability to enforce trademark infringements against individuals who attempt to manufacture and sell Redskins apparel, hats and other gear.
Although no official plans have been made, the Washington Redskins one step closer to a legal name change. The result of a new team name for the Redskins would hit pocketbooks especially hard, costing the team several million dollars to make the transition present on all Redskins merchandise, signage, facilities and stadium, according to the Washington Post.