The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), has rejected the Trademark Application of Cardi B, an American rapper and famous TV personality. Cardi B’s attorney, Doreen Small, attempted to trademark her signature catchphrase, “Okurrr” earlier this year in March. Cardi B wanted to use this purported signature phrase on her merchandise, including T-shirts, undergarments, cups, and posters.
However, the USPTO declined the request by stating that the phrase is way too commonplace for obtaining Trademark Protection. It further mentioned that this phrase or expression is well-known and widely used by so many sources and conveys a well-perceived, ordinary concept or sentiment. It was likewise noted that the expression is commonly used in the drag community and by many famous celebrities as an alternate way of saying “Ok” or something that is said to assert when someone is being put in their place.
Till now, many other celebrities like the Kardashians had also used the same expression long before Cardi B filed its trademark application, which the USPTO used as a justification for rejecting her request.
When the famous rapper appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” she said, “You know, it’s like a cold pigeon in the New York City” explaining the different versions of the phrase in her book depending on the situation. Moreover, during her cameo alongside Steve Carrell in Pepsi’s Super Bowl Commercial, she used the same phrase. Needless to say but even if the Grammy award winner can’t make it official; it’s still her trademark at this point as well.