Lee Discusses Implications of Washington Redskins Name Change
July 16, 2020
Corporate Counsel
Of Counsel Andrew Lee was quoted in the Corporate Counsel article, “With Name Change, Redskins’ In-House Counsel Must Consider Trademark Uses, Sponsorship Agreements,” about the far-reaching impact of the Washington Redskins changing its name.
The team announced this week that it would retire its name and rebrand amid growing external pressures.
The rebranding process will be much like any other corporate name change, Lee said. “In the sports world, particularly in the NFL, there is value and activation around a team’s name and logo.”
Legally, there is a good reason for not having retired the Redskins name and logo. The name and logo have been a trusted source to the consuming public. “But there’s a historical meaning that predates that use and offends a growing segment of that consuming public, so the entity is also perceived as being a source or origin of that offense—a good reason to make a change regardless of whether the courts say you can keep the name as a registered trademark,” Lee said.
Related News
June 20, 2025
In the News
Brian Wheeler and Lyman Thai Comment on Private Equity's Entry into Niche Sports
Foley & Lardner LLP partners Brian Wheeler and Lyman Thai described private equity's growing investments in niche sports in the Pensions & Investments article, "Ares Management buys minority stake in French sailing team."
June 16, 2025
In the News
Gregory Husisian on Customs Compliance Violations – 'It's a sharply increased risk profile'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Gregory Husisian joined the SupplyChainBrain Thought Leaders episode, "Getting Ahead of Customs Compliance Violations," to describe the heightened risk environment importers face under the current trade and regulatory regime.
June 11, 2025
In the News
Foley Named Top US Firm for IP Lateral Hires by ManagingIP
Foley & Lardner LLP was named the top United States firm for intellectual property lateral partner hires in April and May 2025 based on data from ManagingIP's Talent Tracker.