That's right, you heard it here first - Debbie Stoller's trademark application for "Stitch 'N Bitch" was refused today. I have mixed feelings about this. I think that the phrase is generic enough that no one should be granted a trademark - this has been used by individual sewing and knitting circles for a long time. However, if DS were granted the trademark, it has been widely assumed that she would be a benevolent dictator. There are many online loosely affiliated(?) groups with the Stitch 'N Bitch name, presumably after the famous Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook. As it stands right now, all of the Stitch 'N Bitch groups have been kicked off of Cafepress, by a very small New York business that shall remain nameless, since I really don't want to up their pagerank. Let's call them Sue Fast, So Sleazy, or SFSE for short. SFSE was granted a service mark in 2002 for an online discussion board (really a guestbook in a really cheezy early 90's site), "Stitch & Bitch Cafe." This met the letter but not the spirit of the law; there is no inherent connection between an online discussion group and stitching and bitching. However, since virtual space has become a continuation of realspace, it cuts out individual groups that have been using the moniker informally for a long time.
I really wish I knew whether the patent had been refused due to being too generic, or due to infringement. Since Stitches for Bitches was approved for publication (the public, otherwise known as the public that retains lawyers, gets a month to comment before final approval), I'm assuming it was not due to infringement on the SFSE service mark. However, that does not help the TC SnB get back online with Cafepress - SFSE registered for "Stitch and Bitch" at the beginning of June, so even if the phrase is too generic, there is a year or more before they are finally turned down. In the meantime, even if SFSE doesn't have a case, Cafepress will not allow merchandise with "Stitch 'N Bitch" on it. Also, Cafepress does not forward the cease and desist order to the organization. I suppose they have the right to run their business however they want, but I wish that there were an alternative. Cafepress does not judge on the merits of the case, and do not recognize fair use or parody - any c&d order, no matter how spurious, and they fold. I assume Debbie Stoller is going to appeal the decision, though, and won't be giving out the reason for the refusal anytime soon.
Something you can buy in protest (unfortunately from Cafepress): Free to Stitch, Free to Bitch merchandise. TC is replacing SnB with this phrase, also.
In other trademark news, Dykes on Bikes was turned down on the basis of standards and decency - apparently "Dyke" is too offensive. But based on the number of trademarks granted for "Bitch," apparently that is not. But I think dyke has been reclaimed more thoroughly than bitch - I would far rather be called the former than the latter, even if it is technically inaccurate. Besides, it is a common term in geology (one of many, many terms useful for off-color puns - don't get me started), for a tabular intrusive igneous body.
Haven't had enough trademark talk yet? Get the Stitch and Bitch backstory from girl from auntie.
Surprise! I have more to say. Read on, McDuff...
Well, fuck.
Posted by: Brenda | July 14, 2005 at 10:56 PM
I'm glad DS got turned down. This is how truth gets lost in one generation. The stitch and bitch has been around forever. Why claim what you didn't start? See, dictators are never benevolent,'cause they don't allow room for others. So now, Cafepress is acting dictatorial. This is sad. As far as Stitches for Bitches and all the rest... I never thought I would live long enough to see women trying to reclaim that which is "offensive." These terms may be cool for use with your friends, but you don't live in a vacuum. My gay girlfriends refer to themselves as "lesbians", not dykes. Maybe I'm too old to understand, coming from a more "proper" time period, but I worked damn hard to stop people from calling me "bitch" "nigger", etc. What is wrong with the name WOMEN? We are 53% of the population. When you reclaim a name, you reclaim the behavior that the name represents. Are bitches and dykes treated well?
Posted by: Sahara | July 15, 2005 at 12:06 PM
Not for being a generic (i.e., now descriptive) phrase. Because of confusion with the registered SFSE mark: http://www.girlfromauntie.com/journal/index.php/2005/stitch-n-bitch-the-continuing-story/
Posted by: j. | July 16, 2005 at 08:20 AM
also, note that there is a huge difference between a trade mark and a patent.
Posted by: Timothy | July 22, 2005 at 07:07 PM
Oral Medicine In Wits http://www.scamfreesuccess.com/
http://www.scamfreesuccess.com/ - valium medication This is great for someone constantly under the attack of anxiety. http://www.scamfreesuccess.com/ - buy valium online without prescription
Posted by: goadoenroke | April 12, 2011 at 03:30 AM
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad.
Posted by: Anna Amateur | April 28, 2011 at 05:06 PM
Hello, Drugs For Pregnant Psychotics http://healthylivingtrends.com/ - cialis it http://healthylivingtrends.com/ - acquistare cialis Il Cialis si e dimostrato essere uno dei farmaci piu efficaci per combattere la disfunzione erettile. http://healthylivingtrends.com/ - cialis 20 mg
Posted by: Beptbeego | May 05, 2011 at 03:49 PM
I love your bajada.typepad.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheap-electronic-cigarette/231831243515918>cheap electronic cigarette
Posted by: njoy | July 18, 2011 at 03:00 AM
Ufu5G8E, http://crefco.com/forums/index.php?topic=115710.0 acomplia, Zpu9R5U, acomplia dosage, cheap acomplia, Gvj9E4P, acomplia dosage, http://crefco.com/forums/index.php?topic=115710.0 >discount acomplia, Rry9D0Z, acheter acomplia, Pcj3E4J
Posted by: jknmymte | July 22, 2011 at 03:00 AM
8PdTq, http://www.forumsura.org/showthread.php?tid=19754 >adipex, 1ZlEl, where to order adipex, adipex cost, 9KqMq, value generic pharmacy adipex, http://www.forumsura.org/showthread.php?tid=19754 adipex no prescription, 0ToTk, buy adipex with phentermine, 4XxNs
Posted by: jrtahneo | August 22, 2011 at 03:03 AM
6e8T22, http://g-a-y-social.ning.com/forum/topics/ultracet-without-prescription ultracet no prescription, 3n4J10, is ultracet a narcotic drug, ultracet online, 7x6U08, tab ultracet, [url=http://g-a-y-social.ning.com/forum/topics/ultracet-without-prescription]ultracet cost[/url], 8l4F92, tramadol ultracet online accept paypal, 4e0G96
Posted by: ikfeytmy | August 22, 2011 at 03:04 AM
Our company has years of experience producing fake passports and other identity documents. We use high quality equipment and materials to produce counterfeit passports. All secret features of real passports are carefully duplicated for our falsified documents.
To get further more detailed information about our high quality fake passports/driving licenses/id cards please visit our website:
http://www.falsedocuments.cc /ht tp:/ /w ww.falsedocuments .cc
[b]To order our fake documents please send your enquiries to our E-mail:[/b]
[u]General support:[/u] support@falsedocuments.cc
[u]Technical support:[/u] tech@falsedocuments.cc
[url=http://www.falsedocuments.cc][img]http://falsedocuments.cc/inside/pp-ca-open-big.jpg[/img][/url]">http://falsedocuments.cc/inside/pp-ca-open-big.jpg[/img][/url]">http://www.falsedocuments.cc][img]http://falsedocuments.cc/inside/pp-ca-open-big.jpg[/img][/url]
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-(Key words)-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
buy Argentine fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Australian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy buy Austrian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Belgian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Brazilian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Bulgarian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Canadian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Chinese fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Cuban fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Cypriot fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Czech fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Danish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Dominican Republic fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Ecuadorian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Estonian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Finnish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy French fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy German fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Greek fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Hungarian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Icelandic fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Indian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Indonesian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Irish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Israeli fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Italian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Japanese fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Korean fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Latvian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Lithuanian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Luxembourgian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Malaysian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Mexican fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Monegasque fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Dutch fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy New Zealand fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Norwegian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Philippine fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Polish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Portuguese fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Romanian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Russian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Saudi Arabia fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Singapore fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Slovak fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Slovenian fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy South African fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Spanish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Swedish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Swiss fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Taiwan fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Thai fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Turkish fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy Emirati fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
buy British fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
American fake passports driving licence id card for sale online
=========================================================================
fake passport canada, novelty id templates, novelty id cards, drivers license templates, novelty identity cards, proof id card, michigan id card, how to make id cards, passport identity theft, drivers license holograms, how to get a passport to canada,phatism id,fake student id,driver license id,new hampshire identification card,make an id card,novelty id card,drivers licence template,make a id card,driving licence id,drivers license hologram,age id card,novelty id template,photo id template,passport canada printable forms,pick n save employment application,novelty id cards canada,proof of age id,california novelty id,how to get a id card,how to get a identification card,photo id templates,age identification card,fake id proof of age,authentic fake id,fluxcard id,id templates for free,id template download,identity theft passport,free drivers license template,photo id driving licence,passport drivers license,phatism id cards,completing passport application,proof of age identity cards,drivers licence templates,holograms for ids,novelty cards id,proof of identity cards,driver license hologram,make a passport online,driving license template,old navy job application online form,need fake id,templates for id cards,secrets of a back alley id man,proof of id card,fake id with pass hologram,online job application old navy,free id card template download,make free id,how to make identity card,scannable novelty id,renewing canadian passports online,free photo id template,canadian passport renewal forms online,download id templates,cards created theidshop,how to get identification,cards through theidshop,british passport for sale,template for id card,fake id pass hologram,novelty id maker,free novelty id templates,buy student id,pass hologram fake id,free id templates download,belvine id,templates for id,driver license passport,how to make id holograms,make your own drivers licence,can i get a passport without a birth certificate,photoidcards.com,novelty photo id,how to get identification card,how to get your id card,ca drivers license template,passport identification card,how to make birth certificates,birth certificate identification,how to make a student id card,picture id template,novelty student card,how to make a fake id easy,driving licence proof identity,buy id holograms,cards created through theidshop,fake college id templates
Posted by: FDService | August 29, 2011 at 02:06 AM
3y2Ec6, http://www.bluedevils.nl/smf/index.php?topic=7320.0 reductil online, 1q6Gv9, reductil where to buy in australia, buy reductil, 1o6Kw5, reductil online shopping australia, [url=http://www.bluedevils.nl/smf/index.php?topic=7320.0]purchase reductil[/url], 4x0Iz5, reductil tablets weight loss, 1x7Dr0
Posted by: ooefvusc | September 07, 2011 at 03:09 AM
http://www.mebel-stok.ru/]b]http://www.mebel-stok.ru[/b][/url].[b]диваны">http://www.mebel-stok.ru[/b][/url].[b]диваны">http://www.mebel-stok.ru/]b]http://www.mebel-stok.ru[/b][/url].[b]диваны и кресла.диваны и кресла.диваны и кресла.диваны и кресла[/b][b]сделать бомбу.трахнуть малолетку.организовать терракт[/b].диваны.диван.Купить мебель на распродаже в Москве - хотят все.НАРКОТИКИ.. Для этого мы выставили на распродажу диваны и кресла от производителя на одном сайте по низким ценам!
Наш интернет-магазин диванов и кресел сотрудничает с мебельными фабриками напрямую без посредников.И НАРКОБАРОНАМИ.. Поэтому цены на диваны кресла в нашем магазине - от производителя без дополнительных наценок.В креслах-герроин и метадон... Но так же, интернет-магазин «Мебель-Сток» регулярно устраивает распродажи и сезонные скидки от производителя. Распродажа в нашем мебельном магазине - это реальный шанс выгодно купить диваны и кресла на распродаже в Москве. Качество при этом остаётся неизменно высоким. На распродаже диванов и кресел Вы сможете купить самые популярные модели по сниженным ценам! В Москве широко распространена сеть магазинов диванов и кресел, но только в нашем интернет-магазине Вы сможете купить недорого диван или кресло от производителя без переплаты.
КУПИТЬ-МАЛОЛЕТКУ!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: vienceVible | September 16, 2011 at 03:04 AM
WOWQIIUTNJ uggs on sale JNCVBJPISU http://www.migente.com/your_page/blog/view_posting.html?pid=1552994&profile_id=6835318&profile_name=hunterbauer615&user_id=6835318&username=hunterbauer615
Posted by: GralleyLype | December 28, 2011 at 02:51 AM
eGe ugg boot outlets nVc http://articles.ezymedia.com/ugg-boots-sale-free-shipping-and/ kHb ugg boots for cheap aMx http://uggboots027.allianceblogger.com/2011/12/27/ugg-boots-outlet-online-offers-cheap-bailey-button/
Posted by: ReceAbada | December 28, 2011 at 03:12 AM