Judge hears arguments on Redskins trademark battle

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Lawyers for Native Americans who object to the Washington Redskins' trademark say their case has been strengthened by a recent Supreme Court ruling on license plates and the Confederate flag.

A judge is hearing arguments Tuesday in federal court in Alexandria on the team's lawsuit.

The Redskins want the judge to overturn a decision last year by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel the Redskins' trademark registration on the grounds that it may be offensive to Native Americans. The team's lawyers say the trademark law is unconstitutional because it regulates the content of speech.

Lawyers for the Native Americans say their argument for cancellation is boosted after the Supreme Court ruled last week that Texas was within its rights to ban personalized license plates showing the Confederate flag.