Matal v. Tam (2017)

Matal v. Tam was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 19, 2017.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued,

Case Issue:

Does the section of federal law that allows the federal government to refuse to register “disparaging” trademarks violate the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Michelle Lee, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Brief of Respondent: Simon Tam, leader of the band The Slants
• Amici: available on the SCOTUSblog case page

Oral Argument:

• Audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles and Resources:

• Supreme Court to review case important to Redskins trademark fight (Washington Post)
• Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Insult – as a Registered Trademark (New York Times Magazine)

How to Conduct a Moot Court or a Mini-Moot Court:

• Classroom Guide to Moot Courts
• Mini-Moot Courts Resource Bundle and Video