Robert Raskopf of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, who argued for the team, said they will appeal Lee’s ruling on all grounds. Until Lee’s order requiring the cancellation of the team’s trademark registrations takes effect—which Raskopf didn’t expect to happen until all appeals were exhausted—the team will continue to enforce its marks, he said. Raskopf leads the firm’s national sports litigation practice.
“After today’s ruling, the Washington Redskins still own their trademarks. The team’s ability to use its famous name and enforce its trademark rights are as intact now as they were prior to the ruling,” Raskopf said in a statement. “The Redskins’ rights will be vindicated on appeal and will remain unaffected, as has consistently been the case throughout the 23-year history of this litigation. In the meantime, the Redskins will continue to use their longstanding marks as symbols of pride, achievement and success both on and off the field.”
Wednesday’s ruling is a victory for the U.S. Department of Justice, which intervened in the case earlier this year to defend the section of federal trademark law that the football team claimed was unconstitutional.
