The Bigger Picture Here Is More Freedom Lost': Blaze Readers React to the U.S. Patent Office Ruling That Redskins NFL Trademarks Must Be Canceled

TheBlaze posted a story earlier this week about the U.S. Patent Office ruling that the Washington Redskins name is “disparaging of Native Americans” and that the team’s federal trademarks for the name must be canceled.

A Washington Redskins football team staff member wheels a bucket of helmets off the field after a practice at NFL football training camp at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. (Image source: AP/Alex Brandon, File)

While the team is allowed to retain trademark protection during an appeal, the decision means it would lose a significant portion of its ability to protect the financial interests connected to its use. If others printed the name on sweatshirts, apparel, or other team material, it becomes more difficult to go after groups who use it without permission.

The Redskins' brass responded that they are confident the ruling will be overturned, as it has happened before.

Here's what some readers of TheBlaze had to say about the issue:

dwsmokin

It’s ridiculous! As a southerner (which immediately makes me irrelevant to this admin) I’m offended by the name “Yankees," so we should sue the Bronx Bombers. Or who wants to bet the Atlanta Braves are next on the list? Or the LA Angels — they’re bound to offend atheists. Or maybe the Chicago “White” Sox? (Racist). New England “Patriots”? Fascist name. They’re opening up a can of worms here they will never be able to close.

SocialistSlayer

There is no end to the Corruption in the US Government. We are as a government no better than communist China or Russia! I don’t give a darn about the Redskins name or logo but the bigger picture here is more freedom lost!

Bearway64

Um.. there are more people who support the use of the proud moniker “Redskins” than there are intolerant bigots who want the name stripped. In fact, there are plenty of photos around showing Native Americans in Redskins logo clothes and cheering for their team than there have been fools whining about it.

This is not about doing the right thing; it’s more about fundamental change than anything else.

NedNedson

So they just noticed after 82 years of the trademark's use?

Beachmastermax

This no longer has anything to do with political correctness. This is, “You do as we say or your property will be confiscated.” PC was just the ruse used to get to this fundamental transformation.

pimagal

I am Native American and am NOT the least bit offended by the name Washington Redskins and neither are the majority of Native Americans. I do not like that liberals are trying to pull us into their upside-down ideology. It would be great if a voice of collective Native Americans showed their dismay with this action.

Ishalan

As a proud part Native American Choctaw, I have never felt the name Redskins disparaged me. Even though I am a diehard Broncos fan, I will be purchasing some AUTHENTIC Redskins gear. This “regime” knows no shame. I thought people were raised better than to demonstrate this disgusting behavior.

Red_and_Blue_make_Purple

Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Cowboys, Browns? (could be taken wrong), KC Chiefs.

What about the Raiders? The Vikings? The Buccaneers? ALL of those names COULD be offensive. What about the Dolphins? Won’t some people think that disparaging dolphins is going to hurt their feelings? What about the Saints? Shouldn’t atheists be pushing to have that one revoked, too? WHEN WILL IT STOP?

Sawdy19

I think they should not be allowed to use the name “Washington” because it has become a disparaging, scandalous, contemptuous or disreputable word.

Bamagal0007

What about the Native Americans who support the name? Are their feelings any less important?

arbeauchamp

This isn’t about Native Americans or anyone being offended. It’s a very public distraction. The real issue is the assault on our personal property rights – our patents.

Yayama

Umm….Iraq, Benghazi, Fast and Furious, IRS, Gun Control, Marine in Mexico, tens of thousands of illegal aliens crossing the border, Holder, Obama, Clinton, Pelosi…..seriously, this is what they choose to worry about with all of the aforementioned crises still not dealt with? Seems legit…UGH!!

quicksdraw

Like I said Before, being of Native descent and with all the Native American friends I had, not one time did I ever hear them complain of being victims. This is the left-wing's pasty white elite loons trying to use this as a deflection from Obama’s stupidity. It’s on the verge of WWIII in the Middle East. Vets are being left to die at the VA, we still have no answers for Benghazi. Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is sitting in a Mexican jail as hundreds of illegals are flooding our borders. Fast & Furious, NSA, IRS, Russia, Syria. Does it make any sense the most pressing issue is the name of an NFL football team?

ainthurtinnobody

Just looking at this as a simple man. A country where people pride themselves on being white or black has had a ruling by a major government organization that it is illegal for a sports team to use the label of Redskin. I suppose they are saying that it is belittling to Indians to call them Redskins. I know I can’t speak for Indians but my family comes from Oklahoma and I proudly have some Indian blood. And personally I would take pride in being called a Redskin. In this materialistic, physicalized world it is good to see beyond your skin color, but this body is the vehicle our soul uses to interface with this physical universe. It’s kind of like the car you drive. And believe me if I get a little too much sun I am a red skin. But as far as a label for a sports team I always liked it. Maybe the real Indians or at least some have a problem with that but what group agrees completely with any concept. As a part Indian I am much more offended by the name "IRS" than I am "Redskins." Just one man’s (part breed's) opinion. But you know the real me just like the real you is colorless. The soul has no color. Just the body and the mind when influenced to think so.

Rockhound6165

In reality all the patent office did here was make it easy for anyone else to use the name and logo. For example, if a team in the Arena Football League wants to be known as the Redskins and use the logo, they may.

m5th

I lived and taught on the Lakota Reservation in South Dakota. They LOVED the Redskins! It’s an honor!

Do the Cowboys, Vikings, Patriots, complain? The complaints come from others trying to stir up conflict.

GrumpyCat

Just goes to show how stupid the politically correct really are. At how they don’t think things through.

Trademarked, the Redskins control their name and logo. Restrict its use. Charges a fee. Makes sure it only appears on quality merchandise.

With voided trademark ANYONE can use and reproduce the name and logo, for free unrestricted.

If the Redskins lose their trademark there is no reason they cannot continue to use the name and logo. There is no reason EVERYONE cannot use the name for anything they want. As a result there will be thousands of more Redskins items than there is now. If the name is offensive, won’t that proliferation be even more offense?