U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejects application for Washington Football Team trademark

The Washington Football Team has hit a setback in its quest to change its name. 

According to Sam Fortier of the Washington Post, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has rejected the franchise's request for trademark protection of the Washington Football Team name. It concluded the name refers to a geographic area that is too generic and trademark squatter Martin McCaulay has already submitted an application for the name.

If the Washington Football Team name can't be legally protected, then the franchise will likely choose a name that can be. 

A few months ago, the franchise asked season-ticket holders for their opinions on a new name. They were shown several names from a larger pool and told to pick their favorites. The Redtails, Warriors, Rubies, Redwolves, Pilots and Griffins were among the options.

It's unlikely the WFT enters the 2021 season with a new name. At this point, it seems like an official name change won't come until at least 2022. 

The franchise retired its old name and logo, which was held for 82 years, before the 2020 season after years of controversy and pushback from Native American groups.