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

  • 📈 Adobe Shares Its Biggest Trends for Creators

    📈 Adobe Shares Its Biggest Trends for Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #90 | Dec. 8, 2022 2022 has some unforgettable trends. The resurge of shows like Euphoria, the Y2K aesthetic, and the slice-of-life social media app BeReal are just a few viral moves that shook the internet this year. This week, Adobe, a technology company that makes some of the most popular…

  • 🧑‍🔬 Can Science Creators and Brand Deals Co-Exist?

    🧑‍🔬 Can Science Creators and Brand Deals Co-Exist?

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #89 | Dec. 6, 2022 Creators who make science content need to make a living like the rest of us. But unlike creators in some other fields, science creators face serious ethical questions when it comes to monetizing through brand partnerships. This week, Passionfruit contributor Sabina Wex spoke with multiple creators…

  • 😰 Should Creators Complain About Their Jobs?

    😰 Should Creators Complain About Their Jobs?

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue #88 | Dec. 1, 2022 While many creators face unpredictable income, pay disparity, and burnout, the public perception of the influencer lifestyle is often luxurious. Because of this, creators can face a lot of heat when they complain about their jobs. This week, Passionfruit contributor Eve Upton-Clark spoke with creators and…