How a Historic Black Church Turned a Hate Symbol Into a Legal Win
What the Proud Boys Trademark Case Teaches Us About the Power of Intellectual Property | I Am What an Intellectual Property Attorney Looks Like.
Hey Fam,
It’s always great to connect with you.
I’ve been reflecting on how there’s something so powerful—almost poetic—about using the law to turn harm into healing.
Recently, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic Black congregation in Washington, D.C., made national headlines. But this time, it wasn’t for hosting Rosa Parks’ funeral or its ties to Frederick Douglass. This time, it was for something a little more unexpected:
They now own the trademark to the Proud Boys.
Yes, that Proud Boys.
The far-right group known for inciting violence and vandalizing Black churches during a 2020 pro-Trump rally is now legally restricted from using their own name and logo.
Why? Because the church sued—and won.
This story is more than just a headline. It’s a masterclass in the strategic use of intellectual property law—and a case study in how Black communities have long used the courts to demand dignity, protection, and power.
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3 Reasons This Case Matters for Trademarks & Justice:
At their core, trademarks protect identity. When the Proud Boys defaced Black Lives Matter signs at Metropolitan AME, they weren’t just committing vandalism—they were attacking a symbol of Black dignity and resistance.
By taking control of the Proud Boys’ trademark, the church didn’t just win damages. They reclaimed narrative power. Now, if the Proud Boys try to sell merchandise with their old name or logo, they could face legal consequences.
This is the law standing in defense of community, not just commerce.
The court awarded Metropolitan AME not only damages ($2.8M) but the actual trademark to the Proud Boys’ name and iconography. And the church didn’t stop there. They’re now selling shirts on their website with messages like “Stay Proud. Stay Black,” turning hate into fundraising for a community justice fund.
This is impact-driven trademark use in action—proof that intellectual property can fuel justice initiatives and empower historically marginalized voices.
IP law is often thought of in corporate terms: logos, slogans, brand equity. But this case is a bold reminder that trademarks can also be used to protect sacred, cultural, and emotional equity.
This isn’t the first time Black Americans have used the courts to push back—against the Klan, against segregation, against systemic erasure. It won’t be the last. But now, we have an example of trademark law being used not just for business wins—but for moral ones.
At Firm for the Culture, we help purpose-driven founders protect their brands through trademarks and IP strategy—but that work isn’t just about safeguarding logos.
It’s about preserving legacy.
It’s about reclaiming power.
It’s about using the tools of the law to build safer, more just communities.
This story affirms why we do what we do. Because when communities—especially those historically targeted—understand the tools of intellectual property, they can use them to protect their movements, their messages, and their meaning.
Just like Metropolitan AME did.
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If you are unsure—or if you know you need to take action—reach out to us.
We have helped countless founders and creatives safeguard their intellectual property, and we would love to do the same for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment or reply with your insights!
If you need further guidance, reach out to me and my team at Firm for the Culture.
We’re here to help you navigate the copyright, trademark, and thought leadership journey.
Can’t wait to help you protect your dynamic impact.
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Thanks for reading.
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