Jools LeBron was beaten to a trademark filing for her viral demure phrase by Jefferson A Bates
Jools LeBron, who came to limelight after her viral catchphrase “very mindful, very demure,” is once again making waves across social media after a video of her crying went viral online!
For the unversed, social media platforms are currently buzzing with a viral video of TikTok star Jools LeBron, who revealed her distress over not trademarking the viral phrase in time.
The Chicago-based social media influencer, who identifies herself as a transwoman, was seen in tears as she explained that she was hoping to secure the trademark and to use the profits to support her family.
Who is Jefferson A Bates who has filed a trademark for Jools LeBron’s ‘very mindful very demure’ viral TikTok phrase
Jefferson A Bates has a history of stealing phrases/names and submitting trademark applications for them. There’s currently an appeal for one of the trademarks he filed: pic.twitter.com/xJKdI7KwJD
— Laurel, MPH (@bossladyrel) August 24, 2024
The matter came to light on August 23 a renowned media outlet reported that a man named Jefferson Bates had applied for the trademark of the viral catchphrase “very mindful, very demure.”
The official court documents reveals that Jefferson Bates intense to use the trademark for advertising, marketing, and promotion. The news ignited a serious debate and outrage online, with one X user accusing Jefferson Bates of similar actions in the past.
Jefferson A Bates has a history of stealing phrases/names and submitting trademark applications for them and there’s currently an appeal for one of the trademarks he filed.
Social Media User’s Reaction
A X user, who goes by the name @bossladyrel took to the platform and shared a screenshot from the United States patent and trademark office’s website, revealing that previously in April, Bonnie L. Jarrett, a senior counsel at the NFL, had filed a trademark opposition against Bates.
This filing was related to the trademark “#HTTC,” an acronym for “Hail to the Commanders,” a song associated with the Washington Commanders NFL team.
Internet Sensation Jools LeBron Cries After Hearing Someone Has Trademarked VERY DEMURE, VERY MINDFUL pic.twitter.com/a40UMg30xg
— The Gworls Are Fighting (@baddietvv) August 24, 2024
Fans of Jools, who had embraced her catchy phrase, expressed their anger towards Bates, accusing him of stealing her originality.
They voiced their support for Jools, with one person commenting, “We will Not be buying any merch from anyone that isn’t you, love.”
Another added, “About to boycott any merch I see with ‘Demure’ on it since the proceeds aren’t going to Jools.”
What Did Jools LeBron Say?
In her Saturday video, Jools expressed her frustration, saying, “I’ve just invested so much money and time into this. And I feel like I did it wrong… like I didn’t try hard enough.”
She shared her plans for the viral phrase, saying, “I wanted this to do so much for my family and like provide for my transition and I just feel like I dropped the ball.
“I feel like I messed up, and someone else has it now. And I… don’t even know what I could have done better because I didn’t have the resources.”
Jools LeBron, the creator who popularized “demure,” shares she’s unable to launch merch because her viral phrase was already trademarked:
“I wanted this to do so much for my family and provide for my transition and I just feel like I dropped the ball.” pic.twitter.com/FxTVHfb6Lo
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 24, 2024
Previously, Jools had mentioned in another TikTok video that her newfound fame had led to event-hosting opportunities, and she had intended to sell merchandise featuring her catchphrase.
The person who filed the trademark listed an address in Washington but used a Nevada-based phone number, leading to confusion about whether Jools herself was behind the filing. Jefferson is known for filing trademarks of viral phrases but nothing else is known about him at the moment.
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