Hi all, I just wanted to reach out to let you know we’ve just passed 7,384 signatures on our petition! Thank you so much for your support! Will you help us get more support by sharing this petition with ten other people? If enough of us sign we can’t be ignored!
Here’s a link to share https://www.change.org/p/caribbean-people-stop-michael-b-jordan-s-trademark-of-j-ouvert-for-his-rum
Don’t ever think for one second that you are powerless. Your voice, your signature, your feelings matter. There are various valid reasons to be outraged, however, I am hoping that this latest event finally gets the attention of Caribbean people, policy-makers, stakeholders and those who represent Caribbean culture.
The objective is the preservation of all we deem sacred to our history and heritage.
So what happens now? Well, we started with awareness, this petition was created to prove that our community is rightfully outraged, then we will file a Letter of Protest to the USPTO Commissioner with these signatures attached.
Don’t stop sharing this petition. The more signatures, the more proof of how scandalous this filing really is and hopefully the social pressure will create some immediate change from those involved.
The existing J’Ouvert trademark and the latest filing for the use of the sale of rum creates grounds for a larger conversation from the policy makers, gatekeepers, Caribbean historians, cultural ambassadors and all citizens of the Caribbean.
What are the reasons that upsets us most?
Is it the belief that J’Ouvert holds spiritual, cultural and historical value?
Is it that it has been trademarked for commercial use?
Is it that a non-West Indian might be the majority investor of a rum called J’Ouvert?
Does knowing Trinis are involved give you a sense of relief or does it stir up feelings of betrayal and distrust?
Would it make a difference if proceeds of the sale of this rum be allocated towards youth development in the islands, a fund to aid Caribbean entrepreneurs and other cultural support?
Would you be okay if they changed the mark to Joo-Va instead?
Or would we prefer the word J’Ouvert not be a trademarkable at all?
What do you think should happen next? Weigh in below in the comments!