After Supreme Court Trademark Victory, The Slants Return to University of Arizona Law

The Slants, an Asian American rock band who recently won a U.S. Supreme Court case regarding the right to trademark their band name, will be at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Tuesday, Sept. 12 to discuss the case and perform a concert. The college previously hosted the band in April.
 
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had denied the band’s petition to trademark their name, saying that it was offensive and therefore fell under the “disparagement” clause. Simon Tam, the band’s founder and lead singer, sued, while touring the country as The Band Who Must Not Be Named.
 
After a long court battle, in June the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tam. The 8-0 judgment found the disparagement clause unconstitutional because it allowed viewpoint discrimination.
 
University of Arizona Law is hosting the band for three events, all on Sept. 12:
 

Real-life Litigants: The Story of The Slants

Free and open to the public
 
Discussion about the case and larger questions of free speech, moderated by Professor Derek Bambauer, an expert in censorship and intellectual property. Co-sponsored by the Arizona Intellectual Property and Cyberlaw Society.
 
Noon – 1 p.m.
James E. Rogers College of Law
Room 168
 

Guest Lecture with Simon Tam

For current and prospective BA in law students
 
Students will hear from Tam about free speech and trademark issues and learn more about the undergraduate law degree. Includes free t-shirts and other giveaways. Co-sponsored by the Phi Alpha Delta undergraduate law fraternity.
 
5 – 6 p.m.
Fred Fox School of Music
Room 146
 

The Slants in Concert

Free and open to the public
 
You can’t host a rock band without hosting a rock show. Enjoy a courtyard set from the band. Co-sponsored by the Arizona Intellectual Property and Cyberlaw Society.
 
7 – 8 p.m.
James E. Rogers College of Law
Snell & Wilmer Courtyard