We don’t know about you, but the first think we think of when someone says “Chippendales Dancers,” is Chris Farley in nothing but a bow tie, shirt cuffs and spandex pants. And yet, according to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, that isn’t enough to trademark male revue’s signature outfits.

Chippendales has been trying to have the bow tie and cuffs look trademarked for 10 years but hasn’t gotten any love from the court or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Last week, the court upheld the Trademark Office’s decision not to issue a trademark on the Chippendales “Cuffs and Collar” costume. One of the reasons for upholding the decision was the testimony of Chippendales’ own expert, who admitted the male dancers’ outfits were “inspired” by those of the Playboy bunny, which also featured a bowtie and shirt cuffs.

So now non-Chippendales dancers can wear that company’s signature outfit without fear of reprisal.

Chippendales stumbles in trademark attempt [Reuters]

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