(Trademark) attorneys find Dykes on Bikes patently offensive, reject name

[Newsjock]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/07/14/DYKES.TMP

Joe Garofoli, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, July 14, 2005

Vic Germany thought registering a federal trademark for San Francisco's iconic Dykes on Bikes organization would be no problem. After all, the nonprofit lesbian motorcycle group has become internationally known for riding in the lead position at San Francisco's pride parade every year for nearly three decades.

Instead, the group has spent a humiliating two years slogging through the swampland of trademark law, with no end in sight, said Germany, president of the San Francisco Women's Motorcycle Contingent, a.k.a. Dykes on Bikes.

Twice, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has rejected the Dykes' application, on the grounds that "dyke" is vulgar, offensive and "scandalous." Patent office attorneys even point to Webster's dictionary, which says dyke is "often used disparagingly."

"The examining attorney found it to be offensive to a significant portion of the lesbian community," said Jessie Roberts, a trademark administrator with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. "And we're also looking out for the sensitivities of the general public more than that of a specific applicant."

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[tuvor]

1. How did "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" slip through the cracks?

I'm guessing they have a precedent they can point to.

Go, Dykes, go!

[Newsjock]

2. From the story

... In November, the patent office registered a trademark on behalf of the Bravo Network for the hit television show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

"So what's the difference between 'queer' and 'dyke'?" said Brooke Oliver, the Mission District attorney who is handling the Dykes' case.

Germany pointed out that the case for "Queer Eye" was supported by a deep-pocketed television network. "And we're a nonprofit group full of working-class women," she said.

[tuvor]

3. Thanks. That'll teach me to check the link before thinking I have

some great insight. :blush:

Still, deep pockets or not, a precedent was set.

Good luck to the ladies.

[Bucky]

4. "Through the cracks"? Must you be so crude?

[madeline_con]

5. Good point!

:rofl:

[Behind the Aegis]

6. They ROCK!

I rode with some in the National March on Washington several years back. The only boy in a sea of women. They are a blast! And great for taking on homophobes! :)

[kenny blankenship]

7. How can they refuse to issue trademark when it's already been copyrighted?