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March 29, 2017

Dear Sorors,

For decades, the pinky hand gesture has been a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's unofficial history. In late 2014, the Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM administration reinstated the usage of "Skee-Wee" and the pinky hand gesture. Earlier this year, we were awarded a sound mark for "Skee-Wee."

On March 7, 2017, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority a trademark having U.S. Reg. No. 5,153,550 for the pinky hand gesture. It is believed to be the only hand sign granted as a registered trademark for a sorority.

Click HERE to view the Certificate of Registration. Special thank you to Soror Rhonda Harris (Xi Tau Omega – Grandview, MO) for completing the hand drawing for the trademark application.

At the onset of this administration, we committed to enhancing our image and fervently protecting our brand and intellectual property. Since July 2014, we have assumed the following trademarks:

  1. The Ivy Center
  2. Skee-Wee (sound mark)
  3. A.S.C.E.N.D. Enrichment Program
  4. A.S.C.E.N.D. Logo
  5. Launching New Dimensions of Service
  6. Launching New Dimensions of Service Logo
  7. THINK HBCU
  8. THINK HBCU Logo
  9. Pink Goes Red for Heart Health
  10. Ivies Beyond the Wall
  11. Pinky hand gesture

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has also renewed or maintained the following trademarks:

  1. Ivy Leaf
  2. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
  3. AKA
  4. The AKA Badge
  5. FASHIONETTA
  6. 1908
  7. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Coat of Arms (Shield)
  8. Centennial Shield
  9. Pink & Green AKA
  10. AKA 1908
  11. AKAEAF
  12. EAF

The pinky hand gesture trademark, along with enhanced protection of our other symbols and logos over the last two years continues to adhere to our promise of honoring our 109-year history and ensuring our long-term perpetuity. Please feel free to share this news of the new trademark with your friends, family, and fellow members of NPHC. Thank you

 

Sisterly yours,

Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson

Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
Supreme Basileus

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