WASHINGTON, D.C.—Never mind the Twinkie defense. Now, it’s all about the Midget Man defense.
In the latest effort to save the team name after a federal judge ordered the cancellation of the Washington Redskins’ federal trademark registrations, the National Football League is appealing the ruling and using Pipedream Products to help prove their case.
Last Friday, attorneys for the Redskins filed the appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, Va. The opening brief included a footnote with more than 31 trademark registrations, including one for Pipedream Products’ Midget-Man, Edible Crotchless Gummy Panties and Anal Fantasy Collection products.
The Redskins’ trademark was cancelled because it was deemed to be disparaging to Native Americans. The team's attorneys responded by claiming that several companies that manufacturer or sell porn, clothing, alcohol and more have trademarks that use offensive language but still retail their trademarks.
“In fact, since 1870, over three million trademarks have been registered, and we have found none that have ever been cancelled for being disparaging,” a team spokesman said in a statement. “We believe that the government’s action tramples core principles of free speech and sets a dangerous precedent for other brands.”
The brief has brought plenty of attention in mainstream media to Pipedream Products and Chairman/CEO Nick Orlandino. The head of the novelty manufacturer has been interviewed by Fox Sports, ESPN, Vice Sports and more.
“Pipedream is the leader of the adult novelty market because we’ve been pushing the envelope for 40 years, so we were very excited to see several Pipedream trademarks mentioned in this case,” Orlandino said. “Over time, our products, brands, and trademarks have become part of today’s pop culture and consumer landscape, and being cited in such a high-publicity lawsuit is yet another example.”
For more information, visit PipedreamBlogger.com.
