the slants

Los Angeles artist Erik Brunetti, the founder of the streetwear clothing company "FUCT," leaves the Supreme Court after his trademark case was argued on Monday.

Politics & Government

Supreme Court Dances Around The F-Word With Real Potential Financial Consequences

8:38am April 16, 2019

by Nina Totenberg

Is a clothing line called "FUCT" entitled to get trademark protection? The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office said no. Now the Supreme Court must decide.

Queue Listen Now

The Slants' frontman, Simon Tam, filed the original lawsuit after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office kept the band from registering its name.

National
Music & Culture
Politics & Government

The Slants Win Supreme Court Battle Over Band's Name In Trademark Dispute

1:03pm June 19, 2017

by Bill Chappell

The case could have broad impact on how the First Amendment is applied in other trademark cases.

The Slants scored a big victory in court on Tuesday.

Government Can't Deny Trademarks Over Offensive Names, Appeals Court Rules

12:51pm December 22, 2015

by Eyder Peralta

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that a band — called "The Slants" — should be issued a trademark despite their offensive name. Their speech is protected by the First Amendment.