ticklethewire.com
The feds in L.A. are taking a novel approach to battling the violent Mongols motorcycle gang.
Prosecutors on Monday asked U.S. District Judge Otis Wright to block members of the gang from using its trademarked logo or using its name, the Los Angeles Times reported. A ruling in the government’s favor would make it the owner of the logo and name.
The paper reported that it was the first time the federal government has sought to control a gang’s identity through a court order.
The Times reported that the U.S. attorney’s office said the insignia — a pony-tailed man riding a chopper — is “very, very closely identified with the organization.” It said the office feels the move would further prevent the Mongols from operating.
“This patch is a central element of the identity of the gang. We’re trying to dismantle a criminal organization, and we’re trying to use whatever tools we can to do it,” Thom Mrozek, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office, said, according to the LA Times. “In this case it shows our determination to go after this organization as a whole — top to bottom leadership — and after the proceeds of criminal activity.”
While heading the gang, Ruben “Doc” Cavazos registered and trademarked the Mongols logo, Mrozek said.
An attorney for the Mongols told the Times that the government can’t legally do this.
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