WASHINGTON — A federal judge seems to think Native Americans offended by the Washington Redskins team name are properly being sued by the NFL franchise.

Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in Virginia said Friday that it would be unprecedented if he agrees to dismiss the team’s lawsuit against a group of Native Americans who filed a complaint with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The office decided to cancel some of the Redskins’ brand protections, citing federal regulations against protecting trademarks that are disparaging or offensive.

Now the team is suing the Native Americans in Virginia as part of its legal efforts to overturn the ruling.

More: WASHINGTON: Judge Suggests It’s OK for Redskins to Sue Indians