Credit: Bravo, Shutterstock / Kathy Hutchins
Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon can face an uphill battle when it comes to efforts to trademark that Just Shady podcast – if possible.
After the The Real Housewives of Potomac cast members try out their shared series trademark, the rapper eminem came forward, filing opposition to him and suggesting that the name was too similar to his own moniker, Slim Shady, and his 1999 album. The Slim Shady LP.
According to a February 20 report from The Jasmine Brand, Eminem seems to feel that Gizelle and Robyn’s use of the word “shady” will confuse consumers, who have long been familiar with their own brand.
On Twitter, copyright lawyers Clarissa Harvey shows a series of court documents filed by the rapper, which is being heard that he is opposed to RHOP cast member trademark application, filed by the woman on February 1, 2022.
“Will the original ‘SLIM SHADY’ stand up? Rapper Eminem vs Robyn Dixon [and] Bravo’s Gizelle Bryant The Real Housewives of Potomac‘S, trademark application for ‘REASONABLY SHADY,’ the name of a new podcast that, “he tweeted on February 19.
In the opposing document, which was filed on December 20, 2022, Eminem noted that he has exclusive rights to the phrase “Slim Shady” since 1998 and also has a legal registration for “Shady.” And as the attorney explained in an additional tweet, they were also granted official use of the word “Shady” for t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
Gizelle and Robyn were the first to launch Just Shady brand in 2021 and hope to produce the appropriate merchandise. But because of the rapper’s opposition, it’s hard to say if he’ll be able to do it.
“Eminem said ‘confusion is inevitable,'” Clarissa along. “‘REASONABLY SHADY’ is just what it looks like [and] it sounds like ‘SHADY’ and it’s likely that consumers will believe that the podcast and merch are sponsored, licensed and/or approved by, or associated with, them.
It was also noted that Eminem “directly stated” that the similarity in the names of Gizelle and Robyn could clearly affect the “distinctive quality” of the label “Slim Shady” for a long time.
Part two of The Real Housewives of Potomac The season seven reunion airs this Sunday, February 26, at 8/7c on Bravo.