By Canadian Press

Pass to the past: NFL applies for historic Duluth Eskimos trademark

Apr 30, 2019 | 10:45 AM

EDMONTON — The National Football League may be bringing back a historic team name that will have a familiar — and occasionally controversial — ring to Canadian gridiron fans.

Records from the U.S. Patent Office show that the NFL filed a trademark application last week for the Duluth Eskimos.

The Duluth team was in the American league from 1923 to 1925.

The application says the league hopes to use the trademark for professional football games and broadcasts — and even a team mascot.

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Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben based in Washington, D.C., says it’s illegal in the United States to file for a trademark unless there are plan to actually use it.

He speculates the filing may be related to this season’s 100th anniversary of the NFL.

Gerben points out that the Canadian Football League already owns the trademark for the word “Eskimos” in both Canada and the U.S.

The Edmonton Eskimos have been struggling with accusations that their team name is outdated and disrespectful.   

The Canadian Press