Lee Discusses Implications of Washington Redskins Name Change
16 July 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
14 February 2025
In the News
Brian Wheeler Joins Podcast to Discuss Legal Journey
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Brian Wheeler joined the Hsu Untied podcast to discuss his legal career.
14 February 2025
In the News
Pavan Agarwal Featured in Leadership Q&A – 'Reflecting our firm’s core values drives me to do my best'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Pavan Agarwal is featured by Law.com for his career journey, legal practice, and leadership in the article, “How I Made Practice Group Chair: ‘Keep Listening and Keep Learning,’ Says Pavan Agarwal of Foley & Lardner.”
14 February 2025
In the News
Judith Waltz on Trump Administration Deregulation Order, Impact on CMS
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Judith Waltz commented on the Trump administration's executive order requiring federal agencies cut ten regulations for each newly created one in the Modern Healthcare article, "CMS may evade Trump's sweeping deregulation order."