U.S. Justices to Hear 'Offensive' Mark Case on Jan. 18

U.S. Justices to Hear 'Offensive' Mark Case on Jan. 18

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court has slated oral arguments for Wednesday, Jan. 18., in a trademark case that should be of particular interest to adult business operators.

The high court earlier this year agreed to decide whether The Slants, an Asian American rock band from Portland, Ore, can trademark its name despite the federal government’s objection that it is an "offensive" term.

An appellate decision by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit last year that ruled against the U.S Patent and Trademark Office in the case was not just a win for The Slants but for companies in the adult entertainment industry that might use rough-and-tumble jargon to describe their erotic products and services, as well.

U.S. justices now will provide guidance on whether disparaging terms can be registered as trademarks or whether refusing registration is a violation of First Amendment rights.

The decision for justices to hear the case invites a challenge to the "immoral and scandalous" clause for trademarks that most affects the adult entertainment industry, industry attorney Marc Randazza of Randazza Legal Group told XBIZ in September. Randazza last year authored an amicus brief in The Slants case on behalf of the First Amendment Lawyers Association.  

On Monday, The Slants tweeted: “We officially got the date: The Supreme Court will be hearing our case on Jan 18.” The band offered a Twitter link to fundraising site Generosity, where the group has set up a page to raise $10,000 for its legal case.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Tiffani Time Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Rising Clip Creator Tiffani Time stars with her husband Benfit and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Karmen Karma Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Karmen Karma stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Long Time Cumming."

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Gemsations' Anal Plug Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Gemsations line of anal plugs in silicone and metal options.

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

Cubbi Thompson Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Cubbi Thompson has made her Jules Jordan debut alongside Lexington Steele in the studio's latest release.

Seth Gamble Drops Trailer for Upcoming Feature 'Once Upon a Time in the Valley'

Multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble has released the trailer for his upcoming Wicked Pictures feature, "Once Upon a Time in the Valley."

Adam & Eve Reveals Results of 'Happy Ending Dream' Survey

Adam & Eve has released the results of a survey asking respondents if they have ever had a sex dream with a happy ending.

Ryan Reid Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Ryan Reid stars with Damon Dice in “A Day in the Life,” from Brazzers.

Andylynn Payne Toplines Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active 30'

Andylynn Payne headlines director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active 30” from Evil Angel.

Violet Myers, Megan Faith Star in Latest From Slayed

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Megan Faith in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Slayed.

Show More