People who think the name “Redskins” is not racially-charged will have a tougher argument after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office called the name derogatory.
The agency recently rejected a request from a company looking to sell pork rinds under the name Redskins Hog Rinds, according to CBS DC. The decision doesn’t bode well for Washington’s football team, whose name has come under fire for its racial undertones. The agency is debating whether to revoke the trademark from the NFL team, and based on its ruling in the pork rinds case, the team name’s future isn’t looking bright.
“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,” the Patent Office said in a December letter.
A hearing over the team name was held in March, and a ruling is expected to be handed down soon.
Both critics and defenders of the nickname have been vocal, with Redskins owner Dan Snyder insisting that the team will “never” (and you can use caps) change the name.
