February 22nd 2024.
Angel Reese's attempt to trademark "Bayou Barbie" has been rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, according to recent reports. In November, the office denied the LSU basketball star's filing, and it has since been deemed "dead" due to Reese missing the 90-day deadline to submit supporting documents. As a result, Reese will not be able to sell any merchandise bearing her desired moniker.
It was revealed that the office cited a conflict of interest between "Bayou Barbie" and the toy company Mattel, which holds the trademark for the popular Barbie doll. Reese's attorney, Darren Heitner, explained that they had decided not to pursue the matter any further in order to avoid any potential legal issues with Mattel.
"We discussed internally and determined that it was in Angel's best interest to not unnecessarily instigate Mattel," Heitner stated. He had initially filed the trademark request on Reese's behalf, but after it was denied, he confirmed that she had "pivoted away from selling Bayou Barbie merchandise" and would instead "let the application abandon."
Reese had adopted the "Bayou Barbie" nickname after transferring to LSU and quickly becoming a standout player. With her playstyle and affinity for the color pink, the moniker was fitting and quickly caught on among fans. Her agent, Jeanine Ogbonnaya, revealed that Reese's love for pink and her dedication to always looking her best for games played a significant role in the nickname.
In addition to her basketball skills, Reese has also gained attention for her numerous off-court endeavors. She recently appeared in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and made a cameo in the music video for Latto and Cardi B's hit song "Put It on the Floor." Her rising fame and success have also earned her a spot on the prestigious NIL 100 list, which ranks the top 100 most valuable student-athletes. With estimated earnings of $1.7 million from NIL deals and other endorsements, Reese's net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
Although she will not be able to trademark "Bayou Barbie," Reese's popularity and marketability will likely continue to bring her significant financial opportunities. Plus, with the recent changes in NCAA policies, she can now capitalize on her own name and image, making the need for a separate moniker unnecessary.
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