The club claims a precedent in the Bravo Network’s successful trademarking of its show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” last year, saying that the Patent Office is not blind to changes in popular language.
Yet the Patent Office has twice rejected the club’s application. Federal trademark administrator Jessie Roberts said that “dyke” is still offensive to the general public as well as many lesbians. Supporters of the trademark find it laughable that a term they self-apply would be rejected.
"We self-identify as dykes on bikes," said Vic Germany, president of the club.
Dykes on Bikes, which is officially known as the San Francisco Women’s Motorcycle Contingent Dykes on Bikes, was founded in 1976 and incorporated as a non-profit in the late 1980s. Members meet regularly throughout the year for rides. The organization has also spawned offshoots throughout the world.
