Legally Speaking: Can you trademark the N-word? | We The Internet TV

Americans' right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment — that's Civics 101. Understanding how it works in practice, though, can be a complicated task. That's why constitutional law professor Barry McDonald is here to answer Lou's (and your) questions about free speech. This is 'Legally Speaking.'

In this episode, Lou and Barry discuss the right to trademark derogatory terms. Does the First Amendment protect speech like that? And what could those protections lead to?

Do you have questions about free speech? Let us know in the comment section! And don't forget to like the video, share it with your friends, and subscribe to our channel! And click the bell to turn on notifications from us, so you don't miss any of our new videos.

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Directed and Edited by Greg Burke

Starring Lou Perez and Barry McDonald

Story editing by Phillip Hancock
Graphics by Frankie Parise

DP: Gustavo Petersen
Sound: Ed Spangler
Grip/PA: Phillip Hancock
Hair and Makeup: Nikki Parish

Executive Producers: Maurice Black, Lou Perez, Erin O’Connor, & Rob Pfaltzgraff
Creative Director: Erin O’Connor
Head Writer: Lou Perez
Creative Producer: Lana Link
Associate Producer: Jordan Best
Marketing Director: Amanda Burtka

[JazzJackrabbit]

"Dude, not cool. You don't have the N-word pass."
"I'm sorry. How do I get one?"
"WalMart, $25."

[xmichaud]

Well, that would require my country to have actual free speech laws, rather than pushing the hate speech narrative.

[dwighthouse]

Just ran a search. The n-word, and MANY variations on it, are already trademarked.

[voiceofstem]

"Do you want to go in on that, together?"

Hell, if he doesn't, I will. Think of all the Hip-Hop money we'll be gettin'! Call me!

[jordanolson]

Keep pushing for 100k! You're almost there, and the content on this channel is great!

[gillianorley]

The Court ruled on this case unanimously, but this guy knows better.

[DSteel]

An all Muslim band called the Jews...I hear there new sound is da 💣

[Dan-Black]

Can we trademark "Democrat" and "Republican", and then either charge them royalties to use it, or revoke their ability to use it?

Or register the word "offended" and change the meaning. Then when a SJW says they're offended, you can authoritatively say, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

[skydivekrazy]

Hmmm Google search for how to trade mark... "Niggas be trippin" here I come.... Think of all those rappers that are gonna owe me money.... Muahaha!

[mccellenlol]

God. I’m going to DIE if a white dude gets the registration! 🤣🤣🤣

[blackmormon]

"So the slants sued" 😂 From a white guy too. 🤣

[rwbimbie]

Would be nice if Vid Description had the SCotUS case name spelled out,
for folks that like to research what they've seen on the internet

[redram]

Just like people registering domain names hoping someone will pay big for “Cameras.com”, now we have investment in registered slurs.

That’d be great. Just imagine the power being able to walk up to a KKK rally and be like “Ok, you owe me $1482.37 for using MY WORD”

[aarond]

Can't trade mark common use words. Some companies have already tried.

[daviddechamplain]

You can use in a trademark, but not the word itself.

[TriggeredJelly]

"N-word inc."
Stop it. Get some help.

[rwbimbie]

2015 : State License Plates CAN deny free speech
2017 : Trademark Office CANNOT deny free speech
2010 : Schools can deny students instrumental song because it is kind of religions and MIGHT offend someone <- TIME FOR *_MUSLIM TEST_*
~ Can a Texas school REFUSE INSTRUMENTAL MUSLIM RELIGION MUSIC because _"it might offend someone"_ ~ ???

[theotherside]

*Okay. So when one obtains a trademark on a derogatory and racial word, does that give the person the right to use it?*

[jstenberg]

Can you take on the insanity of anti free speech in high education?

[jonathanpasch]

Nigga please, that's public domain.