For the first time in history, the U.S. government has seized control of a criminal gang's identity by taking control of its logo. As a result, those now caught wearing the Mongols motorcycle gang logos on patches, clothing, jackets etc... "shall surrender for seizure all products, clothing, vehicles, motorcycles ... or other materials bearing

the Mongols trademark, upon presentation of a copy of this order," according to news reports.

So if the government can seize the registered trademark of a biker gang, might it someday do the same in a case where it accuses a business of a crime? That's at least a possibility, says trademark attorney Dyan House of Munck Carter following federal indictments of 79 people accused of crimes associated with the Mongols motorcycle gang and the forfeiture of its mark. "Say a business is accused of wrongdoing as we investigate our nation's financial meltdown," asks Ms. House. "Might the government walk in and seize that business' trademark along with other assets?"

My question, what does this mean for all those bikers out there who no doubt have their gang logo tattooed somewhere on their bodies?

For more information, contact Mark Annick at 800-559-4534 or mark@androvett.com.