Is the ‘Very Demure’ Trademark in Crisis?

CREATOR NEWSLETTER


By now, we’ve all heard about the “very demure, very mindful” creator, Jools Lebron. The TikToker pioneered the massively viral, tongue-in-cheek signature catchphrase, hitting on a polite, cutesy, “modest” feminine diva aesthetic (a satirical antithetical to our messy, neon-green brat summer.)

Lebron’s newfound fame has landed her some high-profile gigs, like an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Rupaul, CBS’s morning show, events with makeup mogul Patrick Ta, and brand deals with companies like Lyft and Verizon. However, her success has apparently come with a hiccup: someone else is trying to steal her rightfully deserved trademark.

On August 23, TMZ broke the news that a man named Jefferson Bates applied to trademark Lebron’s viral phrase. Bates allegedly has a history of trying to claim trending phrases that he did not invent. In a now-deleted TikTok, Lebron has admitted that she felt she “dropped the ball” by not securing the trademark sooner.

But, Lebron may still be able to secure the trademark she deserves. To find out how, check out the story below. (You can also read this nifty guide on the differences between trademarks and copyrights for more context.)

Luckily, it seems like Bates doesn’t have a real case for winning the trademark. We all know who the phrase really belongs to. Plus, how can I say this demurely..? Money can’t buy class. 💅


PERSONALITIES

Is the ‘Very Demure’ Trademark in Crisis?

jools lebron in car with caption "How to be demure at work"

Build Your Own Cosmetics Business With Blanka

Launching any kind of product is hard, launching a cosmetics line can seem like the hardest. But Blanka was started by a fellow creator to help other creators source, produce, and distribute cruelty-free, high quality vegan cosmetics under your own custom brand label, with no minimum order size and drop shipping available. Sign up now for your first 14 days free.


IN THE BIZ


TIPS & TRICKS

Whether protecting your content or your brand, you need to know the basics

By Patricia Grisafi, Passionfruit Contributor


CULTURE

The Opera Gets TikTok-ified

A short-form opera will premiere at the Teatro Morlacchi on September 13. 

By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor


JOB BOARD


YOUTUBE MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • 🎮 ‘League of Legends’ Union Refuses To Play

    🎮 ‘League of Legends’ Union Refuses To Play

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #138 | May 30, 2023 In a historic move, professional League of Legends players in the North American League Championship Series (LCS) are making their voices heard. Just days before its highly anticipated summer season kicks off this Thursday, these players voted to walk out. The uproar stems from Riot Games’ decision…

  • 🦹 Bogus Copyright Strikes Again!

    🦹 Bogus Copyright Strikes Again!

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #137 | May 25, 2023 Brace yourselves, because our town misogynist, edgy streamer Adin Ross, actually copystriked a video… he helped make??? It looks like the edgelord supreme copystriked one of his collaborators, Call of Duty streamer Futives, who co-streamed gaming with Ross (with Ross getting his ass righteously handed to him…

  • 😡 Is YouTube Doing Enough To Prevent False Copystrikes?

    😡 Is YouTube Doing Enough To Prevent False Copystrikes?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #136 | May 23, 2023 We’re thrilled to welcome star internet culture journalist Kelsey Weekman as a contributor for Passionfruit. This week, she explores the case of YouTuber Alex Edson, who is facing heat for nearly de-platforming his rivals with allegedly false copyright strikes. It begs the question: Is YouTube doing enough…