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

  • 💰 YouTube Drama Leads to Demonetization

    💰 YouTube Drama Leads to Demonetization

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 44 | June 16, 2022 Creators have struggled against YouTube’s strike system and demonetization processes for years. Following the 2017 Adpocalypse, YouTube began vigilantly taking ads off of videos considered to be brand unsafe. This, coupled with a copyright strike system that can often be abused, has left creators extra cautious…

  • 🎮 Paving the Way for Black Women in Gaming

    🎮 Paving the Way for Black Women in Gaming

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 43 | June 9, 2022 Gaming is often a hostile environment for women and people of color. However, while gaming remains predominantly white and male, a recent study from NewZoo shows there is demand for more diversity in the industry and for companies to commit to curbing hate toward minority gamers.…

  • 💸 Would You Tell This TikToker How Much You Make?

    💸 Would You Tell This TikToker How Much You Make?

    CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER Issue 42 | June 2, 2022 The Great Resignation persists as people continue to demand better compensation and working conditions from their jobs. Workers at massive companies like Amazon, Apple, and Starbucks are pushing to unionize for more benefits and protections after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Pew Research Center…