Opinion ID: 2795022
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Whether the Meaning May Be Disparaging to a Sub-

Text: stantial Composite of the Referenced Group If the likely meaning of the mark “is found to refer to identifiable persons, institutions, beliefs or national symbols,” we next consider “whether that meaning may be disparaging to a substantial composite of the referenced group.” Geller, 751 F.3d at 1360. Substantial evidence supports the Board’s finding that the mark THE SLANTS is likely offensive to a substantial composite of people of Asian descent. First, the definitions in evidence universally characterize the word “slant” as disparaging, offensive, or an ethnic slur when used to refer to a person of Asian descent. Tam, 2013 WL 5498164, at –2, 7 & n.3. This includes the dictionaries provided by Mr. Tam in his response to office action. J.A. 219, 234–36. Additionally, the record includes a brochure published by the Japanese American Citizens League describing the term “slant,” when used to refer to people of Asian descent, as a “derogatory term” that is “demeaning” and “cripple[s] the spirit.” J.A. 48–49. The record also includes news articles and blog posts discussing the offensive nature of the 8 IN RE TAM band’s name, which led to the cancellation of the band’s scheduled performance at a conference for Asian youth. Tam, 2013 WL 5498164, at –3 (citing J.A. 45, 51, 94–98, 100). We find there is substantial evidence—even without a marketing survey or some other quantitative measure of the term’s offensiveness—supporting the Board’s finding that the mark is disparaging to a substantial composite of people of Asian descent. The Board does not have the resources, nor is it required, to conduct a marketing survey each time it evaluates whether a term is disparaging. See In re Loew’s Theatres, Inc., 769 F.2d 764, 768 (Fed. Cir. 1985).