The US Patent Office (USPTO) has cancelled the registration of Washington Redskins’ trademark, after finding that the term “redskins” was racist towards Native Americans.

Political pressure has been mounting of team-owner Dan Snyder to change the name in recent months, with a viral video campaigned launched in January by the National Congress of American Indians keeping the issue in the public consciousness, but he has refused to take action claiming that the team has a long 80 year tradition with the name.

This move by the USPTO will not prevent Snyder’s team using the name, but will prevent them from being able to take action against unofficial organisations from using the trademarked name in the courts, meaning counterfeit goods may begin to eat into the company’s profit margins.

The case to have the trademark cancelled was filed on behalf of five Native Americans who argued that the name is offensive and a painful reminder of their suffering throughout American history.

The redskins have said that they will appeal the decision.