Concerned Citizens For Sturgis Group Calls For Boycott Of Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Merchandise And Associated Businesses

Concerned Citizens for Sturgis (CCFS) is a newly formed trade association uniting individuals and companies to promote the growth and health of Sturgis and the Motorcycle Rally and opposing the “Sturgis Rally” and “Black Hills” trademarks obtained earlier this year by a not-for-profit group called SMRI (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally inc.) The issue will be decided in court, but at a little bit over 2 weeks from the start of the 71th Sturgis Rally, a public relation battle got started over this trademarks dispute. Brian Niemann, one of the leaders of  “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis” just sent a press release to news media giving a little bit of history about the origin of the conflict and all what has happened until now.

In it, he explains that 2 actual members of SMRI, Good Sports and Black Hills Harley-Davidson, previously opposed in sworn statements (PDF of these statements after the jump at end of article) both the registrations of Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally based on many reasons, including that the names were primarily geographically descriptive and were being sought to be registered based on fraudulent statements made by the Chamber’s President, Marlin Martin. Good Sports and Black Hills Harley-Davidson did in fact oppose the exact same arguments they are making now to try to enforce the trademarks they obtained last April. Consequently, “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis” calls for bikers to boycott all  “Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc.” merchandise sold during the rally and associated vendors.

After the jump, the press release prepared by PATTERSON THUENTE CHRISTENSEN PEDERSEN, P.A. Councel of “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis”.


Concerned Citizens For Sturgis Speak

RAPID CITY—July 21, 2011—It has long been discussed as to how the city of Sturgis can benefit the most financially from hosting the Sturgis Rally.  Sometime around 2001 someone came up with a brainstorm idea, if the name “Sturgis” can be trademarked, then it can be licensed for a fee.  Thus, if a name can be trademarked, why not trademark the entire town and the surrounding Black Hills therefore if anyone wants to use these words they would then have to pay the people owning the marks.  The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce was convinced to go forward and tried to register the names of “STURGIS” and “BLACK HILLS.”  As many already know, this created quite an uproar.  Most thought that such an endeavor was legally impossible and that the said names would never be registered.  How could they?   The names “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” had been used for many decades by countless businesses and individuals.  Throughout all the confusion and turmoil, three predominant businesses “Sturgis Bike Week,” “Black Hills Harley Davidson,” and Jerry Berkowitz’s “Hot Leathers/Good Sports” come to a conclusion that they needed to oppose these registrations.  These businesses, and a few others, proceeded to file an action in the U.S. Trademark Office against the Chamber’s attempt to register the names “Sturgis” and “Black Hills.”  Throughout the initial part of the proceeding, many issues were brought to light regarding the registration of the “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” names.  Some of the issues were the prior usage of the marks and the fact that the names “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” were primarily geographically descriptive.  In response to this, the Chamber’s then-President, Marlin Martin, swore out an affidavit stating that the Chamber was the substantially exclusive user of the “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” names in connection with the Rally from 1987 through 2001.  Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Good Sports argued to the U.S. Trademark Office in sworn documents (that are included with this press release) that the names “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” had long been used by numerous businesses and individuals on rally merchandise and services alike, so the Chamber has never been the “substantially exclusive user” of those names.  Obviously, Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Good Sports argued at the time in their sworn statements, the Chamber lied in its affidavits to the U.S. Trademark Office and the registrations should not be allowed.

Fast forward to 2009.  The parties have been embroiled in a lawsuit for about eight years and Sturgis Bike Week has been hit the hardest by the cost of this suit.  After fighting for its own rights to the name “Sturgis Bike Week,” along with the other companies opposed to the Chamber getting the Sturgis registration, Sturgis Bike Week tapped its finances and went out of business.  Sturgis Bike Week is forced to liquidate its assets to pay off creditors.  While in negotiations with many parties to sell off Sturgis Bike Week’s intellectual property, banker John Johnson and Chamber leader Dean Kinney wanted these rights sold to the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce.  Subsequently, the Sturgis Chamber bought the name “Sturgis Bike Week.” 

After the purchase of Sturgis Bike Week’s intellectual property by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber then ran into financial problems.  They were losing the legal battle to register their marks and running out of money as well.  It is believed that out of desperation, a deal was made with the businesses opposing the Chamber for those companies (or their principals) to own the registrations.  If they stop their oppositions, Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Good Sports could control the manufacture and sale of all of the rally souvenirs at a great financial benefit to themselves.  A new company was set up, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. (SMRI), which would hold the alleged Sturgis-related intellectual property.  The Chamber then sold all of its intellectual property to SMRI for an undisclosed amount of money and debt assumption.

Thereafter, without further opposition, the “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” names were registered by SMRI earlier this year.  Almost immediately, SMRI went into overdrive threatening businesses with lawsuits, seizures, and confiscations of product.  Indeed, SMRI threatened businesses, manufacturers and vendors that had been using the word “Sturgis” for years, in many cases decades.

SMRI, is run by Dean Kinney, president of “Home Slice;” Jerry Berkowitz, president of “Hot Leathers/Good Sports;” Jim Burgess, partner in “Black Hills Harley Davidson;” and John Johnson, banker at “First Interstate Bank.”  SMRI now shows its true intentions.  They begin looking for ways to get rid of the competition, recover their costs, and start making money from their ill-gotten registrations.  So SMRI came up with a very shrewd one-sided “license” contract.  If the “licensee” gives up all your rights to ever again use the words “Sturgis” or “Black Hills” without SMRI’s consent, and agrees to never join with or start litigation against SMRI, then SMRI will, for one season, until the end of 2011, sell you hang tags at an unreasonable set price to sell Sturgis and Black Hills products.  Most licensing money is to be paid directly to Good Sports Inc. not SMRI.  This is to allow Jerry to control his competition and recover lawyer fees.  Black Hills Harley Davidson stopped selling all of its products to vendors and retailers.  Harley opened its own stores in several Black Hills locations.  It is clear from Good Sports and Black Hills Harley-Davidson’s actions and complete 180 degree change in position on these registrations that their intention is to corner the rally souvenir business and not to let anyone else get in their way. 

SMRI is threatening all who use the words “Sturgis” or “Black Hills” that have not signed a licensing agreement with them.  In June 2011, SMRI filed a law suit against Rushmore Photo and Gifts, Inc. owned by Paul, Carol, and Brian Niemann. Rushmore Photo and its owners counter-sued to cancel SMRI’s fraudulent marks.  To get support and help in their fight with SMRI, the not-for-profit organization Concerned Citizens for Sturgis (CCFS) was created.

Concerned Citizens for Sturgis was formed by Paul and Brian Niemann, and Kent Mortimer.  Mortimer owns Renegade Classics and several properties on Main Street in Sturgis.  The organization’s goal is to restore the terms “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” to their rightful owners, the people and the bikers!  CCFS was created in order for individuals, small and large businesses, to be able to fight SMRI and their monopolistic behavior.  Many people are unable, through fear, intimidation, or lack of resources, to stand up against SMRI, so CCFS had to be created in order for them to unite and fight SMRI.  CCFS completely supports Rushmore Photo in its efforts to cancel the fraudulent marks of SMRI and feels that “Sturgis” and “Black Hills” should be terms that anyone can use without fear of litigation.

In response to a major ground swell of bikers from around the country and its members, Concerned Citizens for Sturgis is today joining and supporting the, “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Inc. aka SMRI Boycott.”  Bikers all over the country have called for a boycott, whereby we the people “DO NOT PURCHASE ANY MERCHANDISE or ATTEND ANY FUNCTIONS” from the companies associated with SMRI. These companies are Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Hot Leather / Good Sports, First Interstate Bank any event sponsored by Home Slice or product bearing the SMRI hang tag.  

Concerned Citizens for Sturgis has received support from many disenfranchised vendors and is seeking more support in their efforts to secure billboards, newspaper and magazine ads. It is this kind of dedication to the principles of freedom and open commerce that made the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally the OLDEST, BIGGEST and BEST rally in the nation and we plan to keep it that way.

Donations to Concerned Citizens for Sturgis to help with the legal fight can be mailed to: Concerned Citizens for Sturgis (605) 209-0553 or visit P.O. Box 3162 Rapid City, SD  57709.

CCFS Board

Sworn Statements Of Good Sports And Black Hills HD In Opposition To Trademarks Registrations

Berkowitz Opposition Trademark Sturgis
Berkowitz Opposition Trademark Black Hills
Back Hills HD Opposition Trademark Sturgis.
Black Hills HD Opposition Trademark Black Hills

 

41 Responses to “Concerned Citizens For Sturgis Group Calls For Boycott Of Official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Merchandise And Associated Businesses”


  1. 1 Prez Boyle Jul 23rd, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Black Hills Harley & Hot Leathers just try to control the market. They are against the trademarks when the Sturgis Chamber Of Commerce tries to register them, but are for the trademarks if they can hold them to make other vendors pay for their use. I know who is right and who is wrong. End of the story.

  2. 2 Gary Jul 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    SMRI = Just a bunch of greedy merchants trying to corner the market for their own profit. Not for profit group my ass. The rally doesn’t belong to them, to anyone. It’s just the collective property of all bikers who made it happen, this year for the 71st time.

  3. 3 Curtis Jul 23rd, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    If the Concerned Citizens group has enough money to fight in court they are going to win and remove these abusve trademarks. The 2001 and 2002 sworn statements of Black Hills H-inD and Berkowitz make them overwhelmgly guilty in the eyes of all observers and of a judge.

  4. 4 Shifter Jul 23rd, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    Another mess in the Hills…

  5. 5 just my opinion Jul 23rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Let me see if I understand this correctly. Because Mr. Niemann is being sued for using a Trademark that one of the owner of Blackhill’s Harley is part owner of he would have everyone boycott the vendors that set up at Blackhill’s Harley? He is also asking everyone to avoid any vendor that has any connection to any rally merchandise? It looks to me like this guy Neimann is acting a little bit like a terrorist himself.

    Let me just state what my opinion is.
    If you Mr. Niemann have a problem with these guys and their Trademark, deal with it in court. That is the proper place for these disputes, not here on a motorcycle blog.
    What you are doing is trying to create a bad situation for people that have nothing to do with this Trademark issue. All you are doing here is spreading your propaganda and trying to hurt others financially. That is the very definition of unfair business practice. You should tread lightly because you may end up being sued by vendors that set up at Blackhill’s HD or Sturgis HD or any number of businesses that are associated with any of those Trademarked names or anyone that sells official rally items. If their sales are down this year they could claim that to be a direct result of your terroristic tactics you are currently using here on this blog and a jury is likely to award damages. Does it make any sense to you that maybe those marks are good and that is why Jerry B. and Jim B. bought them instead of continuing their fight in court? And did you notice that those guys never bad mouthed the people they where fighting while in that court battle on this blog or any other blog?
    Why don’t you fight your own battle and leave the rest of us out of it? I for one don’t think I will ever buy anything from your Photo and Gift/ T-shirt shop after all this nonsense. You may feel like you are being bullied but that is no excuse for trying to get people to boycott vendors that have nothing to do with your fight. Why would you want to hurt people that have nothing to do with your Trademark battle?
    That right there tells me you are not the innocent nice guy you would have us believe you are. You have called these guys Greedy you have called them Liar’s and I have yet to see them call you anything. That is becasuse they are smart enough to know these issues belong in court and not on a blog.

  6. 6 just my opinion Jul 23rd, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    The proper place for this dispute is the court room not here on this blog. And asking for people to boycott
    all vendor and locations that have any association with any of these board members is total bullshit. Why would you want to hurt vendors that have nothing to do with this dispute? This guy is trying to use terroristic tactics to get his way. He should just put his big boy pants on and go to court.

  7. 7 m switzer Jul 23rd, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Where are the ” Jackpine Gypsies” the real sturgis? They are riding and not worring about tradmarks, profits etc. They are the reason this whole thing started and continued untill the “yuppies riders” took over with the merchandising. I haven’t been to the sturgis zoo for 8-10 years and I don’t miss the downtown but I do miss the riding. Pappy Houle is rolling over in his grave about this battle

  8. 8 Donnie Jul 23rd, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Just my opinion. There is already a lawsuit and counter lawsuit. I know one vendor who paid the licensing fee just to get peace during the rally. But he is very upset at these trademark holders and will join the fight against them after the rally.

  9. 9 G. Dillion Jul 23rd, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    SMRI tries to get as many vendors as possible to sign up before the rally. Concerned Citizens trying to do the same in opposition and to gather support from locals. As simple as this. I live in SD. Local papers are full of statements from both sides.

  10. 10 Rick Bopre Jul 23rd, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    As far as I know, and as a matter of principal, locals are in majority against any trademark belonging to a few. They are always extremely suspicious and they are again when they learn that those board members at SMRI fought against the Sturgis Chamber Of Commerce in stating that Sturgis and Black hills could not be registered because they are geographic locations!

  11. 11 Greek Jul 23rd, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    I think that nothing is going to happen during this coming rally. SMRI is not going to confiscate anything until a trial. Just my Opinion. I think you misinterpret the call for boycott. Maybe the lawyer should have stated it better. I don’t think it’s a call for a boycott of vendors renting a spot on the parking lot of Black Hills HD. They don’t sell stuff with the Sturgis rally logo. I think the call is for the businesses belonging to SMRI members.

  12. 12 Boss Hawg Jul 23rd, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    @ JMO…Are you a silent partner or do you hold interests in any of the SMRI groups businesses? Your comments to these articles leads me to believe you may lose money if they boycott Black Hills HD and others?

    I do, however, agree to let those who know the best in court prevail. But I am all for the names not being trademarked. Flip flopping gets you nowhere.

    Boycott ALL and buy elsewhere.

    Boss Hawg

  13. 13 Big Bear Jul 23rd, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    If Rushmore Gifts is wrong, the above letter and call for boycott helps SMRI. If SMRI is wrong, the letter will help Rushmore Gifts gather support. Anyway it doesn’t matter because it will be decided at trial by a jury.

  14. 14 Harry Jul 23rd, 2011 at 3:24 pm
  15. 15 F. Brechter Jul 23rd, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    This fighting puts again Sturgis in a bad light. No trademark, no fight. The SMRI charity claim looks like a cover to me. The rally has always lived without these people. Charity work is done by independent organizations returning 100% of big chunks of money. These clowns brag that they returned only $3000! A joke.

  16. 16 Jay Gross Jul 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 pm

    If this story is not challenged by SMRI with facts, it proves that its members are only commercial opportunists just looking to take advantage of the rally. Black Hills Harley and Good Sports-Hot Leathers should be ashamed of themselves. The Sturgis rally belongs to all of us and to the locals. How come Berkowitz decides who is licensed and who is not. He is a tee shirts vendor with interest in protecting his business in Sturgis. Talk about a conflict of interest.

  17. 17 FLST Jack Jul 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Great reporting. I see all the trademarks being soon repealed by a judge. Protect all small merchants from the greed of a few.

  18. 18 Brett Jul 24th, 2011 at 6:26 am

    JMO. You are wrong. Any person, association, group, corporation can call for a boycott without being at risk of lawsuit for consequent loss of business. Consumer groups do it all the time. It’s called freedom of speech.

  19. 19 Joseph Jul 24th, 2011 at 6:42 am

    How many locals businesses are called Sturgis or Black Hills something. Having the names Black Hills and Sturgis belonging to one entity is outrageous. It’s against everything that the Rally is about. From who comes the money for SMRI lawyer fees? I see SMRI obliged to dissolve very soon. The outcry is too loud.

  20. 20 10377586 Jul 24th, 2011 at 6:49 am

    Can hardly wait for the $turgis rally this year.

  21. 21 Don Traviss Jul 24th, 2011 at 6:52 am

    ” If the “licensee” gives up all your rights to ever again use the words “Sturgis” or “Black Hills” without SMRI’s consent, and agrees to never join with or start litigation against SMRI, then SMRI will, for one season, until the end of 2011, sell you hang tags at an unreasonable set price to sell Sturgis and Black Hills products. Most licensing money is to be paid directly to Good Sports Inc. not SMRI.”

    It’s a good one!

    During the rally, I hope that people will avoid to stop by the Hot leathers/Berkowitz display at main and Lazelle Street.

  22. 22 MotorcycleMarc Jul 24th, 2011 at 7:17 am

    It’s all bullshit. We just wanna ride our bikes. Just want to be free from the man.

    MotorcycleMarc

  23. 23 MDSPHOTO Jul 24th, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Like I’ve always said no one ever to the top without screwing someone. In this case Berkowitz and his minions stick it to the entire town of Sturgis and all the independent vendors. I’m guessing Wal-Mart was his inspiration for putting all the mom & pop vendors out of business!

  24. 24 biker64 Jul 24th, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Hot Leathers has also filed for trademarks taking over the Laconia Rally as well as common Biker phrases. Berkowitz is out to control all US Biker Rallies. Don’t buy his Hot “eathers products that are all made in China and India. Let him start his own Rallies over there

  25. 25 Boss Hawg Jul 24th, 2011 at 10:18 am

    @biker64…..

    We are with ya.

    Posted in previous articles herein, she cancelled ALL her accounts for Hot Leathers! And, in my opinion, don’t buy Hot Leathers products…period, not matter where they are made….

    It s said in this blog they gave $3k to charity, too..whoopee fricken do!

    Just saying…David Berkowitz? Son Of Sam? Is it likely that there could be blood lust greed relations? Does anybody care or know?

    Boss Hawg

  26. 26 Boss Hawg Jul 24th, 2011 at 10:38 am

    @ Harry…great articles…now lets see if there indeed was fraud created and what some may deem as mafioso tactics and extortion…whaddayathink?.

    In my opinion, if the trademark(s) was/were fraudulently obtained, the Fed’s RICO Act could apply (and maybe it should?) since it appears that some of these activities have taken place for 12 consecutive months or more…does anyone know? Has anybody questioned the Fed’s or the Trademark Office?

    Boss Hawg

  27. 27 jim h Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    ….why don’t they threaten to cut all the merch in half… then the real mother will be know……

  28. 28 jim h Jul 24th, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    LMAO !…. i agree with MotoMarc…” We want to be free! We want to be free to do what we want to do! We want to free to to ride! And we want to be free to ride our machines without being haseled by The Man! And we want to get loaded! And we want to have a good time! And that’s what we’re gonna do! We’re gonna have a good time! We’re gonna have a party!…” ( The Wild Angles, 1966)

  29. 29 Evan Jul 24th, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Politics and BS are getting in the way of having a good time and taking it easy… whats new?

  30. 30 Jeff Nicklus Jul 24th, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    SCREW ALL THIS CRAP! Come on up to Lead for the Desperado Junction Expo ….. no trademark violations at our place so you can spend freely with all our vendors!

    JMO: If you need somewhere else to set up I will find somewhere for you even if it is in my own space!

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  31. 31 The Supreme Team Jul 24th, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Boy what an amazing load of crap this has become. I do hope to see people spread the word about the stupidity of this, and do a little “selective” buying. The rally is to support our common thread…gettin’ out on the road, catching a breeze and rinsing the bugs outta your teeth with a beer.

    Jeff…Salud. See you in a couple weeks.

    Oh…as an added bonus, I’m buying beers for anybody that buys new controls, grips or pegs from us and gets it installed at the booth. (Must remember to check that cups do not have Sturgis or Black HIlls logo).

    Ride on kids…let the stupidity be handled in court.

  32. 32 1550tc Jul 24th, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Jeff if anybody knows how f–ked that whole rally/town/area is its you……see yah in 10 days!!

    Some body should start the online Sturgis Gouging directory!

  33. 33 Darryl Jul 25th, 2011 at 5:42 pm

    I for one plan on going to Sturgis and having a good time and not worrying about trademarks. Hope they get this stuff settled before the 100th year anniversary in 2040!

    And in a related story, Bridal Veil falls has filed a trademark lawsuit requiring all brides wearing a veil to have their offical logo ebroided on the back of the brides veil…..

    .

  34. 34 Brian Klock Jul 26th, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Leave it to a company like Hot Leathers to come in and destroy a rally or shed a bad light on what has worked so well for so long just letting free enterprise reign. Why doesn’t someone form Hot Leathers chime in here, do they even ride or have a “true” interest in South Dakota other than greed?

  35. 35 Unkl Ian Jul 26th, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Does anyone hold a trademark for ” BOYCOTT SMRI ” ?

  36. 36 just my opinion Jul 26th, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    Boss Hawg; I am not and do not have any interest, ownership or partnership in this issue. I am however a vendor and find it outragess that a business owner ” MR. Niemann” would try intentionally to harm other business owners just because he has an issue with a third party. I know most of the vendors that travel this motorcycle curcuit and can tell you that most of them are not rich and living some kind of dream life in fact most of the vendors make a fair living at best and work damn hard for everything they make. So to have someone come along and suggest that people not buy products from anyone associated in any way with these guys at SMRI is not only ignorant but just plain wrong and clearly shows what kind of person he is. This issue does not belong on a blog. It belongs in a court of law. I believe the reason this Niemann guy wants to debait it here and not in court is because he knows he is wrong and Probably has some hack attorney that is giving him bad advise. If his attorney had any brains at all the first thing he would do is tell his cliant to stop putting his propaganda on this blog.

    Jeff: Thank you for the offer. You are a good friend and I would like nothing more than to hang out and laugh and joke with you and Conrad all day. If I had enough crew to set up two locations I would definately set up with you guys in Lead. But the truth be told I don’t have enough crew to do that and I do very well at Black Hill’s HD and the owners of BHHD have always treaded me and my crew with nothing but respect. I may be a little bias on this Trademark issue because I know Jim Burgess and Jerry Berkowitz and can say with out any doubt that both those guys are good people. I have been a vendor with jim ever since him and his partner’s have owned the dealership way back when they were on Omaha st. And I met Jerry back in 2000 or maybe 2001 and he has never been nothing but good to me and my staff. I don’t believe for a minute that these guy want anything but to make this rally bigger and better than it already is. Both of those guys are and have been key players in making Sturgis better and I am sure that is what they are currently trying to do. It really pisses me off when people I care about are attacked unfairly. The only thing I know about this guy Niemann is that he likes to go on blogs and attact these guys without having any real proof to back up what he is claiming. If he had any real proof his attorney’s would have filed for summary judgement and not be trying to fight his case on this out on a blog.

  37. 37 mcmagic Jul 26th, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    As someone just going to Sturgis to enjoy the rally, and after reading about all of this in the articles of the Rapid City paper, I have decided to still go and enjoy the rally. However, I will enjoy it without any souvenirs or other items that are offered for sale by SMRI or any of their licensed vendors.

  38. 38 BH Mama Jul 26th, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Holy Sh@t. Just when you think people can’t get any lower. JMO – if you don’t like the blog.. here’s a thought, turn your damned computer off! No one has taken their comments to the childish level that you have – Big Boy Pants? Really? Did you even read your own last post? You start of with your self-rightous spew of how you do not have any interest, ownership or partnership in this issue… HOWEVER, in the second paragraph you spew more about your personal relationships with Jerry Berkowitz and Jim Burgess – NEWS FLASH – YOU HAVE AN INTEREST! At least be honst enough to admit that your constant ramblings on this matter are fueled by those involved. You are either a puppet or a puppy waiting to have your head patted by those involved or YOU ARE SMRI and too small to own it! I NOW plan to support this boycott and while I feel for the vendors who have already gotten too deep into this situation and risk being left with worthless merchandise, I cannot and will not support any group or business that is in any way associated with SMRI!

  39. 39 Boss Hawg Jul 26th, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    @ JMO…Peace Brother, the truth will prevail. The feeding frenzies here are primarily because Cyril, as an unbiased journalist, feeds off of it just like any good publication will. The traffic and comments are needed for his website ranking, funding, etc….and the rest is pure motorcycle fodder.

    @ BH Mama….if JMO says he is not affiliated, then he is not. He has made a nice engineered mod for motorcycles for years and if you ever have the pleasure to meet with him, then do so please. He is a great guy and does work hard as a perfectionist at what he does.

    His main points of contention are that the law suits for the trademark(s) not be aired here in this blog (and to be quite blunt, I think it has run its course here), but in a court of law where it belongs.

    I have made my comments and spoke my mind as to the issues herein (all 3 posts) whether the trademarks(s) were obtained fraudulently or in good faith, they should not exist at all. I have seen a much larger the 800 lb gorilla apply and get a patent, only to have it slammed back at them with seven figure costs and damages awarded to the smaller guys that got forced into it because it was obtained under fraudulent submissions. However, as it may be, anyone is fair game here when their keyboard commando skills air the laundry, clean or dirty.

    Boss Hawg

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  41. 41 John L. Sturgis Sep 28th, 2011 at 12:03 am

    1. How can any one or any company us my last name in a trademark
    2. All the stores I have been in sale both types of Rally stuff
    3. It’s all made outside the USA
    4. Some people travel far to go to the rally
    5. Why hurt our people in S.D. by stopping sales of any type Sturgis Rally items

    Thank you

    Mr. Sturgis

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