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

  • 🦁‘Lion King’ in Minecraft

    🦁‘Lion King’ in Minecraft

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 56 | August 4, 2022 The creativity of Minecraft users is limitless and awe-inspiring, to say the least. They’ve recreated Westeros, landmarks, and even a working library dedicated to freedom of the press. Now, there’s a burgeoning theater scene that holds in-game productions of various plays and musicals, including Disney’s Lion…

  • 🎮 Ninja Gives His Best Advice for Creators

    🎮 Ninja Gives His Best Advice for Creators

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 55 | August 2, 2022 Ninja is one of the most prolific streamers in the world, with a whopping 18.3 million followers on Twitch. The scale of his success is aspirational for many creators, but it came after years of grinding and working up to 18 hours a day. Now, he…

  • ✍️ Cash In on Your Comics

    ✍️ Cash In on Your Comics

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 54 | July 28, 2022 Webtoon is booming in popularity, and it’s offering a number of different monetization options for its popular creators. Independent artists are producing stories historically left out of mainstream comics and finding engaged audiences that allow them to make decent money off of their work. Passionfruit reporter…