Jools LeBron, famed for her ‘demure’ catchphrase on TikTok, faces a legal battle over her own creation.
- LeBron became an overnight sensation with her ‘demure’ advice and now has over 2 million followers.
- A man from Washington, Jefferson Bates, has trademarked LeBron’s catchphrase, causing her to post a tearful video.
- Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, filed a trademark to support LeBron and plans to transfer it to her.
- Legal experts believe LeBron has a strong case but it will require time and money to secure her rights.
Jools LeBron’s ‘demure’ catchphrase took TikTok by storm, catapulting her to fame. Thanks to her viral advice on being ‘demure,’ ‘mindful,’ and ‘cutesy,’ LeBron gained over 2 million followers.
However, the joy was short-lived when Jefferson Bates from Washington state filed for the trademark ‘Very Demure .. Very Mindful … ,’ aiming to profit from LeBron’s success.
LeBron, who is trans, shared how her newfound fame has helped fund her transition. Yet, she posted a tearful TikTok, confessing she ‘didn’t trademark fast enough.’
Meanwhile, Raluca Pop, founder of Hive Social, filed an application for ‘Very Demure Very Cutesy’ in California to show solidarity with LeBron. Pop stated she would transfer the trademark to LeBron.
Attorney Alli Elmunzer is confident that LeBron can fight Bates’ claim and secure her rights, urging her to monetize the phrase to strengthen her case.
Kyona McGhee, another legal expert, advises LeBron to file a federal trademark and send a cease and desist letter to Bates, stressing that the first to use a trademark has a strong legal standing.
LeBron continues to enjoy her fame with brand deals and TV appearances, but the legal battle underscores a common issue for viral content creators.
Legal experts stress the importance of quickly filing trademarks once content goes viral, especially for minorities who might lack resources and information.
LeBron’s legal battle highlights the need for prompt trademark action in the fast-paced world of viral content.
Source: Theguardian