Commanders Sell Redskins Merchandise to Protect Trademark Rights

The Washington Commanders have begun selling merchandise featuring the retired "Redskins" name and logo, a move the team says is necessary to protect its trademark rights. The items, part of a limited Mitchell Ness throwback collection, are available at the team's official store at Northwest Stadium and online. The gear honors former players who played under the previous name, including Art Monk, Darrell Green, and the late Sean Taylor.

The merchandise includes T-shirts and jerseys displaying the old team name and helmet insignia. For example, an Art Monk T-shirt shows him in the classic helmet, with "Washington Redskins" and his career statistics on the back, priced at $49.99. A Sean Taylor retired No. 21 replica jersey, featuring the Redskins name and a 75th anniversary patch, is listed for $114.99. Despite bearing the old name, the team lists these items as Commanders products in its retail system.

A team spokesman explained the legal rationale to WUSA9, stating, "We are required to maintain the marks in commercial usage so that marks remain under franchise control." This explanation aligns with U.S. trademark law, which holds that a mark can be presumed abandoned if not used...