Redskins' 'disparaging' trademark canceled by patent office

What's in a name? For the Washington Redskins football club, it's potential denigration.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office appeals board ruled the NFL team's name disparaged Native Americans – the most recent clash in a 22-year fight between the franchise and American Indians over the team’s nickname.

According to Bloomberg, the ruling threatens millions of dollars in sales of everything from football jerseys to beer coolers. The Redskins ranked 10th in merchandise sales of the NFL’s 32 teams as of October, according to the league, which has about $9.7 billion in annual revenue. Merchandise revenue is shared equally among NFL teams.

The ruling, however, doesn't prevent the team from using the name, only revokes the trademark.

The team plans to appeal the decision. Bloomberg reports the trademark will remain intact until after any judicial review is complete.

Read more from Bloomberg.