A lesbian motorcycle club has finally convinced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to issue them the sole rights to the trademark "Dykes on Bikes." The bikers wanted the trademark to prevent someone else from using it on a clothing line.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had balked on the trademark request in the past because they felt the term "Dykes" was not politically correct and might offend lesbians. But the term has become widely accepted among the lesbian community.
"Within the lesbian community that term has been reclaimed as a very positive term that denotes strength and pride and empowerment," said Shannon Minter, a lawyer and spokesperson for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
