The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday sided with the Washington Redskins football team in a dispute over the team's registered trademarks.

The court did not consider whether the "Redskins" name disparages Native people. The decision instead focused on the length of time it took Indian activists to challenge the trademarks.

Mateo Romero, an artist from Cochiti Pueblo in New Mexico, was only one year old when the first "Redskins" mark was registered. But since he waited nearly eight years after turning 18 to pursue his claim, the court said the team suffered trial and economic prejudice.

A second group of younger Indian activists continues to challenge the trademarks.

Get the Story:
Appeals Court Sides With Team In Suit Challenging Trademark (The Washington Post 5/16)
Washington Redskins Win Trademark Dispute in D.C. Circuit (The Blog of Legal Times 5/15)
Appeals court sides with Redskins on trademark (AP 5/15)

D.C. Circuit Decision:
Pro-Football v. Harjo (May 15, 2009)