"Hot Girls Read" Trademark Ignites Book World Debate

The book community is in an uproar over a small business's trademark of the phrase "Hot Girls Read." Allie Rose Co. successfully registered the trademark in February 2023 for stationery and clothing items, a move that has drawn significant backlash. The phrase gained popularity as a social media hashtag around 2020, becoming a symbol of empowerment for many women who embraced reading.

Critics argue that trademarking a widely used community slogan is detrimental. They point to previous popular uses of the phrase, including a book club in February 2020 and mentions by public figures. Furthermore, many have drawn parallels to Megan Thee Stallion's 2019 "Hot Girl Summer" mantra, suggesting this trademark represents another instance of white women profiting from Black women's cultural innovations.

This situation raises broader questions about trademarking common phrases and the potential for small businesses to alienate the very communities they aim to serve. Concerns are also emerging about other potential trademarks, such as for "book boyfriend" and "blind date with a book."