WORCESTER – Thousands have signed a petition in support of the Miss Worcester Diner owner, Kim Kniskern, and local artist Tony Freitas after Harley-Davidson sent a cease and desist letter to have a painted logo removed from above the diner car.
On Thursday, Kniskern shared the letter from Harley-Davidson’s Brand Protection team on social media.
The letter, in part, read: “While Harley-Davidson truly appreciates your enthusiasm for the brand… we often run into enthusiasts such as yourself who utilize our Marks in commercial endeavors, however, by using our trademark on the exterior, public facing portion of your business of your business, you have created the impression that there is an affiliation or other relationship with Harley-Davidson where no such relationship exists.”
As of Friday morning, the petition — created by Freitas, who painted the Harley-Davidson on the diner — in support of the Miss Worcester Diner to keep the Harley-Davidson had more than 2,500 signatures.
The petition reads: “What Harley-Davidson fails to understand wholly is that the Miss Worcester Diner, historical landmark and woman owned business in Worcester, is showing support for Harley-Davidson and her customers come from all over to enjoy the heritage that IS the Miss Worcester Diner and their fondness and love for the motorcycle’s, made by Harley-Davidson, also a historical USA company…By signing this petition, you are asking Harley-Davidson Corporation to reconsider the removal request and instead appreciate and support the Miss Worcester Diner, her customers, the community, and the motorcycle community.”
Here are some photos of Freitas at work on the Harley-Davidson logo:
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