We're here to protect you
"Vic Germany thought registering a federal trademark for San Francisco's iconic
Dykes on Bikes organization would be no problem,"
it sez here in the San Francisco Chronicle. "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.... 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.'"
Queer, however, is not offensive to the mainstream. "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.'" Hmmm. Maybe it has something to do with a big-bucks TV station insisting....?