Federal agency rejects trademark for 'Redskins Hog Rinds'

Tuesday, January 7, 2014  

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected an application to register the trademark “Redskins Hog Rinds" due to the offensive nature of the R-word.

The agency said the use of the R-word disparages a group of people and subjects them to contempt or disrepute. As a result, it can't be registered under the Trademark Act.

"In fact, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) now uses the designations 'R*dskins' and 'R Word' when referring to 'REDSKINS' sports teams mascots," a letter from the agency stated.

The agency is being asked to cancel R-word trademarks belonging to the Washington professional football team. A decision could come this year.

Get the Story:
Agency rejects trademark of ‘Redskins Hog Rinds,’ calling term ‘derogatory’ (The Washington Post 1/7)