Dykes want trademark

Lesbian motorcycle club ‘Dykes on Bikes’ is trying to trademark its name – with the backing of city officials in San Francisco, US.

The local council is expected to pass an agreement to support the effort this week.

Dykes On Bikes has led Gay Pride parades in the city for the last 30 years. They argue that since TV show ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy has been able to claim a trademark in the US, then their club should too.

A statement on the Dykes’ website says: “We recognise that ‘dyke’™ can be used negatively, but we have taken the word and made it a symbol of power and pride as part of ‘Dykes on Bikes,’™ which is the phrase that we are trying to trademark. I am sure all of you will agree, that when the ‘Dykes on Bikes’™ kick off the annual Pride Parade here in San Francisco and in other pride celebrations across the country, we are a symbol of power and pride.”

A previous attempt to trademark the name failed.

Download a pdf of their legal submission HERE