Respondent is a member of the rock band “The Slants.” He sought to federally register the mark THE SLANTS in connection with live performances by the band. The PTO refused to register the mark on the grounds that it is disparaging to persons of Asian descent, explaining that the term “slants” had a “long history of being used to deride and mock a physical feature” of Asian people.
Respondent is a member of the rock band “The Slants.” He sought to federally register the mark THE SLANTS in connection with live performances by the band. The PTO refused to register the mark on the grounds that it is disparaging to persons of Asian descent, explaining that the term “slants” had a “long history of being used to deride and mock a physical feature” of Asian people.