Hells Angels’ new battle cry: ‘See you in court’

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Hells Angels’ new battle cry: ‘See you in court’
Source: journaltribune.com

Those of us who think of the Hells Angels as just a lawless bunch of thugs are behind the times. The outlaw motorcycle club now takes a keen interest of its commercial rights and interests.

The name is widely recognized. “Hells Angels” has been trademarked since 1982, and the club’s lawyers are diligent about policing for unauthorized use and aggressive in battling infringement.

The latest fracas arose last month, when the club sued a fashion designer for marketing rings, clutch purses and other items bearing the club’s distinctive death’s head emblem. Not only did the items bear the winged skull that the club has used as its emblem for decades, a lawyer told the Los Angeles Times, some products even used the “Hells Angels” name.

If the Hells Angels have stood for anything, it has been disregard for law and propriety. But money often trumps principles, and such is now the case even with the Hells Angels.

The club is willing to go to court to protect its uniquely uncouth image. In 1992, its lawyers extracted a settlement from Marvel Entertainment after the company came out with a Hells Angels comic book. The club donated the money to charity.

Much as we may deplore the club’s violent and anti-social inclinations, its bad behavior has created a recognizable brand that is apparently valuable and worth defending. The role of an outcast can occasionally be a lucrative one.

But these outcasts better act fast to cash in. If word gets around that they rely on corporate lawyers and make substantial contributions to charity, the Hells Angeles’ image as a band of troublemakers is likely to fade.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.