Insight

WATCH: Corporations Question: Is Our Brand Racist?

Two thought leaders join the CEO of Best Lawyers to discuss the legal considerations major brands and sports franchises are facing as pressure mounts to eliminate culturally insensitive mascots, names and brand identities.

Ending Racist Branding
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

August 6, 2020 08:00 AM

When George Floyd was killed during an arrest on May 25, 2020, protests erupted throughout the world. Many companies expressed their support and released statements of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Some businesses decided to rebrand their products and brands for being culturally insensitive.

Phillip Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers, moderates a panel of two thought leaders to discuss what it means for the community as major brands and sports franchises decide to rebrand culturally insensitive mascots, names, and brand identities.


To be notified of the latest Discussion Panels, and other news from Best Lawyers, subscribe to our Legal Insights Newsletter.

Marc Johnson
Managing Director of APCO Worldwide's New York office and Global Digital Practice Lead

Marc Johnson helps clients accomplish their strategic objectives through digital tactics and methods. He has extensive experience in managing highly technical projects and helping clients build custom online applications that achieve specific goals and objectives. He has created winning strategies that drive specific business goals for numerous consumer and association brands. In addition, Marc has helped these consumer clients with brand positioning and crisis management through social media platforms, which has forged brand equity growth at an accelerated rate.

Michael A. Kahn
Senior Counsel, Capes Sokol
St. Louis, MO

Recognized by Best Lawyers in First Amendment Law since the 10th Edition, Media Law since the 15th Edition, Litigation - First Amendment since the 17th Edition, Litigation - Intellectual Property since the 9th Edition, Entertainment Law - Motion Pictures and Television since the 14th Edition, Entertainment Law - Music since the 14th Edition and Copyright Law since the 17th Edition.
The 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2020 Copyright Law and 2013 Litigation - Intellectual Property and 2015 Litigation - First Amendment "Lawyer of the Year" in St. Louis,

Michael Kahn concentrates his practice in copyright, trademark, First Amendment and media law, including libel and privacy rights. He is a widely recognized trial lawyer in the area of general commercial litigation and regularly advises clients on a range of intellectual property matters. A veteran of numerous jury trials, Mike has handled lawsuits and arbitrations in various venues across the nation. He has served as a court-appointed mediator in a variety of intellectual property lawsuits, including copyright, trademark, patent, and libel cases. He has negotiated intellectual property licenses with professional sports leagues, publishers, musicians, and others.

Headline Image: JUANMONINO / ISTOCK

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