The Importance of Trademarking: Lessons from Jools Lebron’s “Demure” Journey

In the age of social media, where trends can explode overnight and turn ordinary individuals into internet sensations, the legal aspects of intellectual property can often be overlooked. Jools Lebron, a TikTok influencer with over 2 million followers, learned this lesson the hard way when her catchphrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful…” became a viral sensation. The phrase, which resonated with millions and even caught the attention of major brands and celebrities, now sits at the center of a trademark battle that highlights the importance of protecting one’s creations.

Jools Lebron’s Rise to Fame

Jools Lebron, a Puerto Rican transgender woman, rose to prominence on TikTok by sharing tips on how to be “demure,” “mindful,” and “cutesy” in both work and life. Her content struck a chord with audiences, particularly as it aligned with the growing trend of mindfulness and self-care. The phrase quickly gained traction, and soon, major brands like Verizon and Netflix were collaborating with Lebron for sponsored content. Even celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Olivia Rodrigo were using the catchphrase in their own videos, amplifying its reach.

Lebron’s newfound fame brought about significant changes in her life. In a heartfelt post, she shared that the success of her videos had not only changed her life but also allowed her to finance her gender transition. However, the joy of this success was soon overshadowed by a legal issue that many content creators fear but few anticipate.

The Trademark Battle: A Cautionary Tale

Lebron’s viral catchphrase became a legal battleground when Jefferson Bates, a man from Washington state, filed to trademark the phrase “Very Demure, Very Mindful…” in an apparent attempt to profit from Lebron’s success. The news was devastating for Lebron, who posted an emotional video—later deleted—expressing her regret for not securing a trademark sooner.

Trademarks are a crucial aspect of intellectual property law in the United States. They protect brand names, slogans, and other identifiers that distinguish goods or services in the marketplace. According to U.S. trademark law, the first person to use a trademark in commerce has the superior right to it, even over someone who files for the trademark first. This is known as “common law” trademark rights.

In Lebron’s case, her widespread use of the phrase on social media and in sponsored content provides her with a strong claim to the trademark, even though she didn’t file for it initially. Legal experts, like Alli Elmunzer, an attorney specializing in influencer law, have weighed in on the situation, stating that Lebron has a solid case to challenge Bates’ trademark application. Since Bates has not yet used the phrase in commerce and only filed an intent to use application, Lebron’s extensive use of the catchphrase gives her an advantage.

Fighting Back: What’s Next for Lebron?

Despite Bates’ filing, all is not lost for Lebron. Attorneys like Kyona McGhee, founder of Trademark My Stuff law firm, suggest that Lebron should immediately take legal action by sending a cease and desist letter to Bates, demanding that he withdraw his application. Additionally, securing a federal trademark through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) would solidify Lebron’s rights to the phrase across the country, preventing others from using it without her permission.

Raluca Pop, the founder of Hive Social, also stepped in to support Lebron by filing an application for the phrase “Very Demure Very Cutesy” in California. Pop’s intention is to transfer the trademark to Lebron, ensuring that she benefits from her creation.

Lessons for Content Creators

Lebron’s experience underscores a common issue that many content creators face: the lack of awareness about the legal protections available to them. The rapid rise of social media has created an environment where content can go viral in a matter of hours, but without the proper legal safeguards, creators can find themselves vulnerable to exploitation.

This situation also highlights a broader issue within the creative community, particularly among minority creators. McGhee points out that while there is no shortage of talent in these communities, there is often a gap in access to information and resources that can protect their work. This gap can lead to situations where creators are left defending their intellectual property, rather than proactively protecting it.

For content creators, the key takeaway from Lebron’s experience is the importance of acting quickly when their work gains traction. Filing for a trademark as soon as possible can prevent others from capitalizing on their success and provide a solid foundation for building a brand. In the fast-paced world of social media, playing offense in the legal arena is often the best defense.

Moving Forward

As Jools Lebron continues to navigate her newfound fame, her story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration. While the trademark battle may be a daunting challenge, it also presents an opportunity for her to assert her rights and continue to grow her brand on her terms. For other creators, Lebron’s experience is a reminder to stay vigilant and informed about the legal aspects of their work, ensuring that their creativity is both celebrated and protected.

In December, Netflix will bring to life a powerful and long-overdue story with the release of Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight. This biopic, set to premiere in select theaters on December 6 and available for streaming on Netflix starting December 20, tells the compelling story of the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas during World War II. The film, written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, promises to be a moving tribute to the unsung heroines of the Six Triple Eight.

The Six Triple Eight: A Legacy of Courage and Determination

The story of the Six Triple Eight is one of resilience, bravery, and triumph in the face of adversity. Officially known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, this unit was composed of 855 Black women and women of color. They were tasked with a critical mission: to sort and clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail that had piled up in warehouses across Europe, ensuring that soldiers fighting on the front lines could receive letters from their loved ones back home.

In the 1940s, the U.S. military was deeply segregated, and opportunities for Black women to serve their country were severely limited. However, the demand for manpower during WWII led to the creation of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1942, allowing women to take on roles that were traditionally held by men. Despite this progress, women of color faced significant challenges, including racism, sexism, and skepticism about their capabilities.

Major Charity Adams: A Trailblazer in Military History

At the heart of the Six Triple Eight’s story is Major Charity Adams, portrayed by Kerry Washington in the film. Major Adams holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women’s Army Corps. Her leadership and determination were instrumental in the success of the Six Triple Eight.

Born in 1918 in Columbia, South Carolina, Charity Adams grew up in a segregated society but was determined to pursue education and a career. She graduated from Wilberforce University, an historically Black college, with a degree in mathematics. When the opportunity arose to join the Women’s Army Corps, Adams seized it, determined to serve her country and break down barriers for future generations.

In the film’s teaser, Major Adams is seen rallying her troops with the powerful words, “I need women who had to fight to survive. I am giving you my best and you will give me yours.” This encapsulates the spirit of the Six Triple Eight, a unit that had to be not just good, but exceptional, to prove their worth in a military that was still grappling with deep-seated prejudices.

The Mission and Challenges of the Six Triple Eight

The Six Triple Eight was deployed to Europe in 1945, where they were confronted with an overwhelming task. In Birmingham, England, they faced warehouses filled with millions of pieces of mail that had been delayed for months. The backlog threatened to undermine the morale of soldiers who relied on letters from home to maintain their spirits during the brutal war.

Working under grueling conditions, the women of the Six Triple Eight operated around the clock in shifts, sorting and processing an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per day. They did this despite the freezing temperatures, inadequate housing, and the constant threat of air raids. Their work was not only a logistical triumph but also a moral one, as they delivered hope and connection to soldiers who desperately needed it.

The Six Triple Eight’s motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” underscores the importance of their mission. By the time they finished their work, the backlog was completely cleared, and the women had proven that they were just as capable, if not more so, than their male counterparts.

Tyler Perry’s Dedication to Telling the Story

Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight is not just a film; it’s a labor of love and a tribute to the women who made history. Perry, known for his powerful storytelling and dedication to highlighting African American experiences, has spared no detail in bringing this story to life. In a tweet sharing the teaser for the film, Perry expressed his deep connection to the project: “You have no idea what it means to me to have been given the grace and the blessing to be able to tell THIS story! Every detail is dedicated to the memory of the 855 Black women and women of color of the Six Triple Eight. When America needed hope, they delivered!”

The film’s cast, led by Kerry Washington, features a stellar lineup of actors, including Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, and even appearances by iconic figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon. With such a talented cast and crew, The Six Triple Eight is poised to be a must-watch for anyone interested in history, military stories, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Conclusion: A Story That Deserves to Be Told

The Six Triple Eight is more than just a film; it’s a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of Black women and women of color in American history. The courage and determination of the Six Triple Eight continue to inspire, and Tyler Perry’s film ensures that their story will be remembered for generations to come. As the film prepares to hit Netflix in December, it’s an opportunity for viewers to learn about and honor the legacy of these extraordinary women who, despite all odds, delivered hope when America needed it most.

Content Partners Launches Credit Investing Division: A New Chapter in Entertainment Finance

Content Partners LLC, a heavyweight in the Hollywood investment arena, is taking a bold step into a new chapter by launching a credit investing division. This move, led by seasoned film finance expert Alphonse Lordo, signifies a significant expansion for the company, known for its substantial library of movies and TV series. This latest venture is set to revolutionize how entertainment projects are financed, further solidifying Content Partners’ position in the industry.

Who is Content Partners LLC?

Founded in 2006 by industry veterans Steve Kram and Steven Blume, Content Partners LLC has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment world. The Los Angeles-based firm specializes in acquiring ownership stakes in Hollywood projects from direct participants, such as actors, directors, and producers. This strategy allows Content Partners to buy out backend profit participation, which is the share of profits that talent and production companies earn after a movie or TV show has recouped its costs.

Over the years, Content Partners has amassed an impressive portfolio, including more than 500 films and 3,000 hours of TV series. The company’s most notable acquisitions include a 50 percent stake in the wildly successful CSI franchise, which it purchased from Goldman Sachs in 2013. The CSI franchise, with its multiple spin-offs, has been a cornerstone of primetime television for decades and continues to generate significant revenue.

In 2017, Content Partners made headlines again by acquiring Revolution Studios, a company with a library of 126 feature films. Some of the most recognizable titles in Revolution Studios’ catalog include “13 Going on 30,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Hugo,” “Black Swan,” and the “xXx” action series starring Vin Diesel. These acquisitions have not only expanded Content Partners’ portfolio but also positioned the company as a major player in the entertainment industry.

The Launch of Content Partners Capital

Content Partners’ latest venture, Content Partners Capital, marks a significant expansion into the world of credit investing. This new division will be led by Alphonse Lordo, a veteran in film finance who joined the company in January 2024. Before taking on this role, Lordo served as the sector chief for entertainment at investment bank Truist Securities. He also held prominent positions at OneWest Bank and Bank of the West, earning a spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s 2019 list of leading film financiers.

Content Partners Capital is set to make its debut by providing debt financing to Media Capital Technologies, an entertainment investment firm led by Michael Lambert. Media Capital Technologies has an existing partnership with Lionsgate, a major Hollywood studio, to back its feature film slate. This deal represents the first of many that Content Partners Capital aims to pursue as it establishes itself in the credit investing space.

A Strategic Move into Entertainment Financing

The decision to launch a credit investing division aligns with Content Partners’ broader strategy of expanding its influence in the entertainment sector. While the company has traditionally focused on acquiring intellectual property (IP) through equity investments, the new division will allow it to provide capital to businesses in the film, TV, and music industries through various credit structures.

According to Steve Kram, co-founder of Content Partners, the new division represents a natural evolution for the company. “While we continue to experience significant growth with our transactional IP investment strategy, we’re excited to now step into the next chapter of film, TV, and music sector investment: providing the capital and strategic partnership to help businesses grow,” Kram stated.

The move into credit investing is particularly timely, given the current landscape of the entertainment industry. As traditional revenue streams for film and TV projects become more complex, there is a growing need for flexible financing solutions. Content Partners Capital aims to fill this gap by offering tailored credit structures that accommodate the unique capital needs of IP-heavy business models.

The Future of Content Partners LLC

With the launch of Content Partners Capital, Content Partners LLC is poised to become an even more influential force in the entertainment industry. By diversifying its investment strategies and expanding into credit investing, the company is not only securing its future but also opening up new opportunities for growth and innovation.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Content Partners’ ability to adapt and expand its business model will be key to its success. The company’s deep understanding of the industry, combined with its strategic investments in IP and now credit, positions it to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

In conclusion, Content Partners LLC’s expansion into credit investing is a significant development in the world of entertainment finance. Led by Alphonse Lordo, Content Partners Capital is set to play a crucial role in providing the capital and strategic partnerships needed to support the growth of film, TV, and music businesses. As Content Partners embarks on this new chapter, the entertainment industry will be watching closely to see how this innovative approach to financing shapes the future of Hollywood.

Y2K: A24’s Nostalgic Dive into Millennial Madness

Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of nostalgia, tech chaos, and apocalyptic hilarity with A24’s upcoming comedy film, Y2K. Directed and written by Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney, this movie is poised to be a wild ride through the turn of the millennium, where the infamous Y2K bug wreaks havoc in the most outrageous ways imaginable. With a star-studded cast featuring Rachel Zegler, Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison, and Alicia Silverstone, Y2K promises to be a must-watch for anyone who lived through the ’90s or just loves a good throwback.

A Glimpse into the Madness: The Y2K Trailer

The first trailer for Y2K gives us a taste of what to expect: a New Year’s Eve high school party that goes horribly wrong as the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2000. While in reality, the Y2K bug turned out to be more of a mild inconvenience than the end-of-the-world scenario some feared, Y2K takes creative liberty and cranks up the chaos to eleven.

Imagine this: the lights go out, and suddenly, all that clunky, nostalgic tech from the early 2000s comes to life with murderous intent. In one scene, a Barbie toy Jeep bursts into flames, engulfing a teen in fire, while in another, a Tamagotchi—the virtual pet every ’90s kid loved—turns into a lethal weapon. As the power fails and the party descends into madness, the core group of teens realizes they’re in the middle of an apocalyptic nightmare, where technology has not only failed but has also gone rogue.

What Was the Y2K Bug?

To fully appreciate the premise of Y2K, it’s worth revisiting the real-life Y2K bug. At the dawn of the new millennium, many feared that computers worldwide would malfunction due to a programming shortcut that represented the year with just two digits. This meant that as the year rolled over from ’99 to ’00, there was a concern that computers would read the year as 1900 instead of 2000, potentially leading to catastrophic failures in everything from banking systems to power grids.

Governments and corporations around the world scrambled to fix the issue, spending billions to update their systems. As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000, the world held its breath—but the worst never happened. While there were a few minor glitches, the Y2K bug ended up being more of a fizzle than a bang. But what if it hadn’t been? That’s exactly the question Y2K seeks to answer, with a comedic twist.

A Star-Studded Cast and Nostalgic Soundtrack

One of the most exciting aspects of Y2K is its cast. Rachel Zegler, known for her breakout role in West Side Story, leads the pack alongside Jaeden Martell of It fame, and Julian Dennison, who stole scenes in Deadpool 2. The film also features a nostalgic nod to the ’90s with Alicia Silverstone, the beloved star of Clueless. Their performances are sure to bring both humor and heart to this outrageous story.

Kyle Mooney, who also appears in the film as a stoner who crosses paths with the teens, is no stranger to offbeat comedy. His experience on Saturday Night Live and his knack for embracing the absurd makes him the perfect person to helm a project like Y2K. The trailer also teases plenty of wacky fights and over-the-top moments, all set to the iconic tune of “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba—a song that defined the late ’90s.

Why Y2K Could Be the Comedy of the Year

Y2K is shaping up to be more than just a comedy; it’s a love letter to a bygone era, wrapped in a wild, apocalyptic package. The movie taps into the collective anxiety of the Y2K scare while simultaneously celebrating the quirky, sometimes ridiculous aspects of late ’90s and early 2000s culture. From the fashion to the tech, everything about this movie is designed to hit that sweet spot of nostalgia.

Moreover, A24 has a reputation for producing unique and thought-provoking films, and Y2K looks like it will be no exception. The combination of Mooney’s distinct comedic voice, the talented cast, and the inventive premise could make Y2K one of the most talked-about comedies of the year.

Mark Your Calendars

Whether you lived through the Y2K scare or are just hearing about it for the first time, Y2K is a film that promises to deliver laughs, thrills, and a hefty dose of nostalgia. The film is set to hit theaters on December 6, so mark your calendars and get ready to relive the turn of the millennium like never before. Watch the trailer now and prepare for a wild ride into the year 2000—just don’t forget to turn off your Tamagotchi before the lights go out!