WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court says the government can’t refuse to register trademarks that might be considered disparaging or offensive.
The ruling Tuesday from the U.S Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit could bolster the Washington Redskins in their legal fight over the team name.
The court sided with an Asian-American rock band called The Slants, which challenged a ruling from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that refused to give the name legal protection.
Judge Kimberly Moore said the First Amendment protects “even hurtful speech” and said the ruling may lead to the broader approval of trademarks “that offend vulnerable communities.”
In a different court, the Redskins are appealing a judge’s July order canceling the team’s trademark registration. The judge ruled the name Redskins may disparage Native Americans.
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