Hard Candy Is Trying To Trademark The Words #MeToo
Cult '90s makeup brand Hard Candy is known for their signature nail polishes (and the equally bright makeup launches that followed), but now, they're in the news for a different reason. Recently, the brand filed for a trademark of the words and hashtag #MeToo. After the hashtag became an international movement against sexual misconduct in October of 2017, TMZ reports that the brand sought to trademark the words as they pertain to fragrance and makeup. The Cut confirmed that the U.S. Patent and Trademark database shows an application for the hashtag by the company on October 20.
Jerome Falic, CEO of Falic Fashion Group (which owns Hard Candy), told TMZ that the plan is not to profit off the cause, but rather to donate proceeds to it — although the amount of contribution is unclear. "The company’s intention is to give back to women worldwide," he said.
This is not the first beauty brand to take a public stance on #MeToo and Time's Up. Before the Golden Globes, Lip Slut released a "F*ck Hollywood" lipstick with all of the proceeds going towards organizations that help sexual assault survivors. If this filing gets approved, however, Hard Candy will be the only one able to use the actual phrase for their products.
Of course, there are dozens of ways that you can get involved and be a part of the #MeToo movement. Donating your time to organizations like RAINN or knowing how to be a good friend to a sexual assault survivor are two places to start. Yesterday (Jan 17), Time's Up, eBay, and Teen Vogue's parent company, Condé Nast, partnered to announce an auction of the black outfits worn at the Golden Globes 20`18, which will donate all proceeds to Time's Up legal defense fund. It's proof that as the conversation continues to grow around meaningful ways to add your voice, there's room for everyone to figure out how they can help. We'll stay tuned to see if Hard Candy will be able to do the same.
Updated Jan 19, 9:15 A.M.:
Following criticism, Hard Candy released a statement from their CEO Jerome Falic to Teen Vogue stating that they have rescinded their filing. He said, "As a brand devoted to women since its inception, Hard Candy has and will continue to support women’s rights. Hard Candy has always quietly and proudly supported a non-profit organization that directly contributes to many women’s causes. When the trademark application for #metoo was filed, one of our objectives was to bring greater awareness to this important and long overdue movement. We planned to donate 100% of all profits arising from this trademark to #metoo. Based on several public responses, we have abandoned the application. We will continue to support the work of this watershed movement and other causes that respect the dignity of women and all people”
Photo Courtesy of Instagram/@hardcandylife.
Related: How This "F*ck Hollywood" Lipstick Is Fighting Sexual Assault
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