One giant win for the fight for the Washington Redskins to change their name.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has canceled the Washington Redskins trademark registration, calling the football team’s name “disparaging to Native Americans.”  It’s a huge step for the many people fighting to have the name changed as owner Dan Snyder has put up a resistance.

The landmark case was filed on behalf of five Native Americans and appeared before the Trademark Trial and Appeal board.  It’s just the second case of this nature to be filed.

Federal trademark law does not permit registration of trademarks that “may disparage” individuals or groups or “bring them into contempt or disrepute.” The ruling pertains to six different trademarks associated with the team, each containing the word “Redskin.”

While the ruling does not force the Redskins to change their name, it does hit the teams pockets as they now can not take legal action when others use the logos on shirts, hats and other memorabilia.

As stated before, this is the second time such a case was filed.  Previously the team and NFL filed an appeal which they won.  They are likely to do so again as Snyder has made it clear that he’s putting up a fight, even launching social media campaigns to try and gain support.  Of course each has been met with backlash but he does unfortunately have people on his side.

h/t Washington Post

– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)