Kaylah Walton
The term “Hawk Tuah” has surged in popularity and is now at the center of a potential trademark dispute among various businesses.
Originating from a video where a woman referenced it in relation to oral sex, the Hawk Tuah meme has gained immense traction.
Various companies are now rushing to trademark the phrase for a range of products.
Official records show that the number of trademark applications for “Hawk Tuah” has hit double digits. Several businesses intend to utilize the phrase on items like clothing, athletic gear, unconventional products such as lubricants, chewing tobacco, oral hygiene products, hair and body care items, beverages, and even sexual enhancers.
There’s even a request for a trademark on “Hawk Tuah” hot sauces.
What about the woman behind the phrase?
Interestingly, among the myriad of trademark filings, there is no submission from Hailey Welch, the original creator of the phrase.
While Welch’s name isn’t present in the applications, it’s possible she might be filing under a pseudonym or through a limited liability company. Jason Poteete, who heads Fathead Threads, the clothing brand collaborating with Welch, mentioned in Rolling Stone that he advised her to apply for a trademark and that she has sought legal advice.
The surge in trademark applications comes as no surprise given the widespread popularity of “Hawk Tuah.”
Poteete mentioned that Fathead Threads has already made over $65,000 from merchandise featuring the iconic phrase, underscoring the appeal for numerous businesses to get involved in the trend.
