The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has gotten in on the Redskins name controversy. Specifically, the government agency has rejected a request from a company that wants to sell pork rinds called "Redskins Hog Rinds" because it considered the term "derogatory slang."
In a letter dated Dec. 29, the agency wrote: “Registration is refused because the applied-for mark REDSKINS HOG RINDS consists of or includes matter which may disparage or bring into contempt or disrepute persons, institutions, beliefs, or national symbols.”
More details via CBS Washington:
The same agency is deliberating whether to revoke the trademark protection for the NFL team, part of a long-running challenge from a group of Native Americans. A hearing was held in March, and a decision is expected soon.
Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, who has been outspoken on the Redskins name, hopes the recent Patent Office ruling portends change.
“The USPTO ruling sends a powerful message to Washington team owner Dan Snyder and the NFL that in the name of basic decency and respect they should immediately stop spending millions of dollars to promote the R-word,” Halbritter said ...
The R-word? Seriously?
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