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
December 24, 2025
In the News
Kyle Faget on HHS Gender-Affirming Care Declaration – Impact is 'Enormous'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Kyle Faget commented on the recent Department of Health and Human Services declaration rejecting gender-affirming care in the STAT News article, “Nineteen states, D.C. sue HHS over gender-affirming care crackdown."
December 22, 2025
In the News
Monica Call in Law.com Leadership Spotlight – 'I see my role as both coach and advocate'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Monica Call reflects on leadership, mentorship, and strategy in Law.com's "How I Made It Office Managing Partner" series.
December 18, 2025
In the News
Kyle Faget Weighs in on HHS Proposed Rule Limiting Gender-Affirming Care
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Kyle Faget commented on a recent proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Law360 article, “HHS Proposes Hospital Ban On Gender Care For Minors.”