Congressman Honda Introduces Legislation to Remove Trademark Protection for Washington Football Team Name

Press Release

Continuing his promotion of the modern progressive agenda, Congressman Mike Honda (D-Silicon Valley) today introduced legislation to prevent sports teams from using a derogatory slur for Native Americans as their nickname, The Non-Disparagement of Native American Persons or Peoples in Trademark Registration Act.

This bill will retroactively cancel any existing federal trademarks, and prohibit the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) from issuing new trademarks, using the term "redskins" in reference to Native Americans. It will formally declare that the word "redskins" is a disparaging term when used in reference to Native Americans, and thus cannot be trademarked under The Lanham Act. In January, the Department of Justice joined a lawsuit to defend the constitutionality of The Lanham Act.

"It is unbelievable to me that, in the 21st century, a prominent NFL franchise is calling itself by a racial slur," Congressman Honda said. "Team names should not be offensive to anyone. Allowing trademark protection of this word is akin to the government approving its use. Removing that trademark will send a clear message that this name is not acceptable."

This bill is part of Congressman Honda's kick off of his 114th Congress legislative agenda. Each of the first six weeks, he will be introducing legislation that addresses a key area of the modern progressive agenda. Previously, he introduced bills on Manufacturing and Technology and Public Safety, Human Trafficking, and STEM Education. In the next two weeks he will introduce legislation on Education, and the Environment and Energy Infrastructure.

Source