Washington Redskins Could Lose Trademark On Name

If you still think the federal bureaucracy isn't totally out of control, here's yet another piece of evidence.

The U.S. Patent Office has ruled that the Washington Redskins nickname is "disparaging of Native Americans" and that the team's federal trademarks for the name must be canceled.

Unless you've been under a rock, you know that the controversy over the name "Redskins" has grown exponentially over the past year or so. Respected newspapers, writers, and websites have refused to use the word, either simply referred to the team as "Washington," replacing some letters with asterisks (R*dsk*ns) or simply ignoring reality altogether and giving the squad a new nickname (Washington Hogs).

The Redskins' owner, Dan Snyder, has refused to change the team's name, citing tradition. But there has been growing pressure from President Barack Obama and civil rights groups to make a switch.

What does this decision mean?:

The decision means that the team can continue to use the Redskins name, but it would lose a significant portion of its ability to protect the financial interests connected to its use. If others printed the name on sweatshirts, apparel, or other team material, it becomes more difficult to go after groups who use it without permission.

The case involves six registered trademarks that involve the use of the word Redskins, but it does not apply to the team's logo.

An appeal is extremely likely and there's no way to know how long that process might take.

Echoing a sentiment I've seen in a number of places this morning, I have no problem at all with the Redskins changing their name. Tradition is nice, but if its in the best interests of the team (or the business) to find something new that's just not going to bother me. What drives me nuts is a perversion of law and total bureaucratic overreach to achieve that end. All this talk, all this time, and the "Redskins" might die due to two federal workers in Washington. Go figure.