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.
People
Related News
02 May 2024
In the News
Aaron Maguregui Assesses New Third-Party Tracking Guidance Update
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Aaron Maguregui comments on the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) recently updated guidance on third-party tracking technology and its compliance implications
01 May 2024
In the News
Jana Kolarik on Health Care Compliance, AI
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Jana Kolarik emphasizes the importance of staying on top of recent changes in rules and enforcement priorities in the Relias Media article, "Compliance Requirements Continue to Change, Need Close Attention."
26 April 2024
In the News
IP Laterals Ngai Zhang and Drew Schulte Make Headlines with Move to Foley
Foley & Lardner LLP partners Ngai Zhang and Drew Schulte are featured across legal press for their recent move to the firm, including in the Law360 article, “Foley & Lardner Gains Two Perkins Coie IP Partners.”