Asian-American Rock Band Can’t Trademark ‘The Slants’ Due to Slur Meaning

Regardless of the intent of the use of the name “The Slants” to “take back” the ethnic slur by an Asian-American rock band, it was proper to refuse registration as a disparaging term under the federal trademark statute, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board ruled Sept. 26 (In re Tam, TTAB, 85472044, 9/26/13).

Affirming refusal of a trademark registration application, the board rejected the argument that the applicant was being refused registration solely on the basis of his race.

Portland Band Adopts Ethnic Slur as Name.

Simon Shiao Tam a/k/a Simon Young is the founder of The Slants ...