Too Loud, Too Reckless. . . Too Powerful?
The Bold and Unstoppable Black-Owned Brands Shaping the Future | I Am What an Intellectual Property Attorney Looks Like.
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance wasn’t just a moment—it was a message.
From the opening beat to the final note, it was bold, unapologetic, and rooted in a legacy that refuses to be silenced.
But for every fist raised in celebration, there’s always a voice—one that sounds a lot like Uncle Sam—whispering:
The reality?
We have always been “too much” for a world that was never designed to hear us.
But here’s the thing about being too much—it’s the only way to be seen, to be heard, and to change the game entirely.
Black-owned brands have been disrupting industries, rewriting the rules, and proving that the status quo was never the only way forward. And yet, time and time again, we see the same pattern:
The world tells us we don’t belong.
We build anyway.
They try to take what we built.
We fight to protect it.
That last part?
That’s where trademarks come in.
Because being too loud means people are watching.
Being too bold means people are waiting for a way to capitalize on what you’ve created.
And if you don’t protect it, they will.
These Black-owned brands were told they were too different, too unconventional, too much.
So for this Founders’ Letter, we are going to discuss the brands that, instead of shrinking, they trademarked, scaled, and left their mark on the world.
Loving This Post?
Show us some love by adding a “❤️” or commenting below; this will make our hearts sing.
Brands That Built, Protected, and Changed the Game
Tabitha Brown – The Voice of Joy & Ownership
Tabitha Brown turned authenticity into a brand and joy into a movement. From viral videos to bestselling books to nationwide partnerships, she built an empire rooted in kindness, veganism, and faith. But beyond her infectious spirit and unmistakable voice, Tabitha Brown has been strategic—and that strategy includes trademarks.
Since at least 2018, Tabitha has been using her brand identifiers and has been filing trademarks since 2020—around the time her viral videos took the world by storm. Today, she holds over a dozen trademarks, including:
“I Can If I Want To Because It’s My Business” (Serial No. 90307286)
“Because It’s Your Business” (Serial No. 90062394)
“Like So, Like That” (Serial No. 88925835)
“Very Good Mondays” (Serial No. 98187664))
“Donna’s Recipe” (Serial No. 90307229)
Her own name, “Tabitha Brown” (Serial No. 90307302)
Her trademarks don’t just protect her brand; they empower her to block other brands from registering similar names. She has successfully prevented trademarks for generic words like “Because”, “Comma”, and even the term “Tabitha” itself—proving the power of not just protecting your trademark but allowing your trademark to protect you.
When you own your name, your catchphrases, and your intellectual property, you don’t just safeguard your business—you secure your legacy.
Calendly – More Than Just Scheduling
Tope Awotona saw inefficiency in scheduling and built Calendly, now one of the most widely used scheduling platforms in the world. What started as a Black entrepreneur’s vision is now a billion-dollar business, made possible by securing trademarks and patents that protect the software, name, and innovation.
Calendly owns at least four different trademarks, including:
“Calendly” (Serial No. 86559440)
The Calendly Logo (Serial No. 90458106)
“Easy Ahead” (Serial No. 90458123)
“Vowel” (Serial No. 88226230)
While most associate Calendly with scheduling meetings and appointments, their trademark portfolio signals a broader mission—to enable users to record conversations, capture notes, transcribe and index discussions, and identify key takeaways. Their intellectual property isn’t just about making scheduling easier—it’s about changing the way we work.
With trademarks dating back to 2016 and first use in 2013, Calendly has been strategic about protecting not only what they’ve built but what they plan to build next.
Uncle Nearest – A Brand Built to Last
Uncle Nearest is more than whiskey—it’s a movement. Fawn Weaver didn’t just create an award-winning spirits brand; she reclaimed history by honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first Black master distiller.
And when we talk about protection? Uncle Nearest owns over 40 different trademark filings and at least 15 registered trademarks, including:
“Nathan Green” (Serial No. 87978844)
“Uncle Nearest 1856” (Serial No. 87616552)
“Nearest Green” (Serial No. 97377318)
“Nearest Green Distillery” (Serial No. 97377414)
Their extensive trademark portfolio has allowed them to block confusingly similar trademark applications, including:
“Uncle Nearest 2020 CBD”
“Nearest Green Original Whiskey”
Even seemingly unrelated brands like “Grown Folks Conversations”
Uncle Nearest isn’t just making waves in the whiskey industry—they’re making an impact on the world.
Slutty Vegan – A Cultural Shift in Fast Food
Pinky Cole made plant-based food loud, bold, and undeniable. Slutty Vegan didn’t just sell burgers—it sold an experience. And just like the brand itself, their trademark portfolio is massive.
Slutty Vegan has over 35 trademark filings, including:
“Dancehall Queen” (Serial No. 88915819)
“Slut Dust” (Serial No. 97030296)
“Sloppy Toppy” (Serial No. 88915908)
“Bar Vegan” (Serial No. 90718494)
“Big Dawg” (Serial No. 88915801)
“One Night Stand” (Serial No. 88915926)
Their trademarks aren’t just about protecting names—they’re about creating an entire brand ecosystem.
Slutty Vegan’s extensive trademark strategy has allowed them to win legal proceedings against confusingly similar marks in appeals board cases before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
A culture that consumers recognize, trust, and invest in. And when your brand becomes more than just a product—when it becomes a movement—you better believe people will try to take it.
The World Needs Us—Whether It Admits It or Not
For centuries, Black creators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries have been told to be quieter, to shrink, to assimilate. But here’s the truth:
They need us. They need you.
And if you’ve built something—something that carries your vision, your name, your legacy—protect it. Not just for today, but for the generations to come.
Let’s make sure your brand gets the protection it deserves.
What’s one way you’ve embraced being “too much” and turned it into a strength?
I’d love to hear your story—drop a comment or reply to share how you’ve owned your uniqueness and made an impact.
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.
And #ThatsAWrap
The Doors of the Church Firm Are Open
Thanks for reading.
See you next time.
#ProtectYourBrand #TooLoudTooPowerful #BlackOwned #TrademarkMatters #LegacyBuilding
The boldness of the great subject matter is matched by your wonderfully bold writing here, Ruky. It builds the case for your services in a compelling, engaging way. Good on ya!