Washington Redskins stripped of 'offensive' trademark by US patent office

The Washington Redskins have had six naming and trademark registrations cancelled by the US patent office.

The franchise's name has been deemed disparaging and offensive towards Native American people, prompting the office to rule against it and to prohibit the protection of the brand name.

Amanda Blackhorse is the individual who brought the case against the team, and she stated following the announcement that she now hopes Redskins owner Dan Snyder will be forced into changing their name.

She told reporters: "This is a great victory for Native Americans – and for all Americans. Now I hope this ruling brings us a step closer to that inevitable day when the name of the Washington football team will be changed.

"It is both racist and derogatory. I've said it before, and I'll say it again – if people wouldn't dare call a Native American a 'redskin' because they know it is offensive, how can an NFL football team have this name?"

Snyder has repeatedly commented that he will not change the franchise brand name.