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)