Lizzo Obtains Federal Trademark Over “100% That Bitch” Phrase
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Pop singer Lizzo has finally secured rights to “100% That Bitch,” the popular lyric from her single “Truth Hurts.” The approval took place after her multiple failed attempts to trademark the phrase.
Lizzo Granted Trademark for “100% That Bitch”
Last year, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied Lizzo’s application, arguing that “100% That Bitch” was “not specific enough to warrant a trademark.” The lyric essentially opened the singer’s “Truth Hurts” to signify her self-awareness of her being badass. An examining attorney however claimed that the lyric is merely a message of self-confidence and female empowerment.
Fortunately, last February 2, USPTO overturned their previous ruling. Trademark Electronic Search System stated that Lizzo has tried to obtain rights nine times in total.
“Considering the entirety of the record, we find that most consumers would perceive 100% THAT Bitch used on the goods in the application as associated with Lizzo rather than as a commonplace expression,” the decision reads.
Particularly, Lizzo has now the exclusive permission to use the lyric for apparel. The USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decided consumers would associate the phrase with Lizzo and her music, regardless of whether it’s coming from a third party.
According to Lizzo’s lawyers, “100% That Bitch” has no indication of being widely used prior to 2017. Furthermore, the Urban Dictionary entry for the term was dated June 12, 2019. Hence, it was the pop star’s “Truth Hurts” that indeed popularized the line.
She Says the Original Release Date of “Truth Hurts” was Her “Darkest” Time
Lizzo initially released “Truth Hurts” back in 2017. Unluckily, its streams didn’t skyrocket the way it deserved. Thus, she re-released the single with her third studio album Cuz I Love You in 2019. Lizzo consequently earned her first Billboard No. 1 and one of her first Grammy Awards for best pop solo performance.
“The day I released ‘Truth Hurts’ was probably one of the darkest days I’ve had ever in my career,” she told People. “I remember thinking, ‘If I quit music now, nobody would notice. This is my best song ever, and nobody cares.'”
Thankfully, despite unhappiness over the first results, Lizzo continued with the help of the people around her. Her producer, publicist, and family members termed her down days as the “darkest before dawn.” And truthfully so, the “About Damn Time” singer has reaped the benefits of her patience and artistry.
