McCollum Responds to Trademark Court Decision on the “Disparaging” Team Name of the NFL’s Washington Franchise

Washington, DC – In a landmark ruling today, the federal Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) ruled that the name of the National Football League’s Washington franchise, owned by Mr. Dan Snyder, is so offensive that it should not be granted protections as a federal trademark. The largest Native American advocacy group in the country, countless members of Congress, over half of the United States Senate, and President Obama have all agreed that this name is a racial slur. Today, the TTAB agreed, calling the word “disparaging” to Native Americans.

“This ruling is a victory for decency,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN). “I commend the Native American petitioners and tribal leaders from across Indian Country for their courage to confront this ugly issue head on and strive for both justice and the respect they deserve.”

“It is time for NFL team owners to have the courage to speak out and pressure Dan Snyder to change his team’s racist name. Any effort by Mr. Snyder to appeal this ruling can only be viewed as a bigoted attempt to continue to profit from this racist team name at the expense of the dignity of Native Americans.”