A few days ago in my post The R-Word, I wrote on how I feel about the Washington Redskins’ name and logo.  Today, something wonderful happened!

It turns out that Federal trademark law does not permit registration of trademarks that “may disparage” individuals or groups or “bring them into contempt or disrepute.” The fact that the Federal government is acknowledging the offensiveness of the name is a really big step in the right direction.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Cancels Redskins Trademark Registration, Says Name is Disparaging

An incredibly smart and funny friend posted the article above with the following comment:

“Washington Redskins” is no longer protected but the logo and other team images still are. They can still sell merchandise. We’re going to have to work together to push this over the top – time to start our own line of Official Washington Redskins Adult Toys, open the Official Washington Redskins chapter of NAMBLA, start the Official Washington Redskins Dog Fighting League… This name is now open to the public domain… so let’s put it to some good use!

I think he’s onto something.  PETA proposes a somewhat different strategy. They have suggested the Redskins keep their name but take a potato as their mascot. Either way, change is coming!