Our ETEC 521 Vista discussion forum the last couple of weeks has raised issues around trademarks, permission, and ownership of native imagery. In one of our readings, Rachel Grad (2002) provides a comparison of indigenous rights in intellectual property law in the US and in Australia. Philip Bellfy (2005) presents a number of examples of appropriation of native imagery and symbols for corporate logos in the US. One of those examples appeared in a trademark dispute that eventually found in favour of the use of the Redskins trademark by the Washington sports team franchise. The dispute and the eventual ruling are discussed in the following articles:
Petition seeks to cancel ‘Redskins’ trademark, article by Sarah Moses published on MSNBC Aug. 9, 2006.
The court ruling from July 13, 2008 is discussed in the article “Pro Football v. Harjo — Trademark Claim Against Redskins Dismissed”
Categories: