Sterne Kessler Director Comments on Cancellation of Washington DC NFL Team’s Trademark

Monica Riva Talley was quoted by the Washington Business Journal and Bloomberg BNA’s Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal discussing the legal hurdles facing Washington’s NFL team as it appeals the U.S. District Court’s decision to cancel the team’s “Redskins” trademark.

“They face an uphill battle in their quest,” Talley told the Washington Business Journal. She makes it clear that the Court’s decision does not bar the team from using the trademarked nickname, “It can be used, but may be more difficult and costly to protect.”

In their article, Bloomberg BNA quotes Talley explaining that the Court’s decision provides insight into how the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will administer its regulatory authority. “This ruling provides more certainty with respect to not just the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s ability to reject a trademark application under section 2(a) of the Lanham Act which prohibits registration of disparaging marks,” Talley told Bloomberg BNA.

To read the articles please visit the Washington Business Journal or Bloomberg BNA.