SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Lesbian motorcycle enthusiasts in San Francisco have won their fight to trademark the name “Dykes on Bikes,” a lawyer for their group said on Thursday.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had denied applications by the San Francisco Women’s Motorcycle Contingent to trademark “Dykes on Bikes,” arguing the phrase would be perceived as disparaging to lesbians.

But the National Centre for Lesbian Rights and the Brooke Oliver Law Group said the word “dyke” is no longer viewed as derogatory.

“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 for the National Centre for Lesbian Rights.

The San Francisco Women’s Motorcycle Contingent sought the trademark after a woman in Wisconsin not affiliated with group attempted to use the phrase for a clothing line.

[REUTERS UK]

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