The U.S. Patent Office ruled Wednesday that the Washington Redskins nickname is ''disparaging of Native Americans'' and that the team's federal trademarks for the name must be canceled. The team doesn't immediately lose trademark protection and is allowed to retain it during an appeal, which is likely. Redskins owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the team's name, citing tradition, but there has been growing pressure including statements in recent months from President Barack Obama, lawmakers of both parties and civil rights groups. The case involves six registered trademarks that involve the use of the word Redskins, but it does not apply to the team's logo. More...