USPTO Denies ‘Cum’ Trademark Status

WASHINGTON — The phrase “you cum like a girl” won’t be eligible for trademark protection, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which denied the request made by a Los Angeles-area comedian to register the slogan.

Saying that the word “cum” was “directly associated with degrading sexual acts,” USPTO examining attorney Patrick Shanahan declined Cathy Carlson’s request to trademark the phrase, which she uses in conjunction with her clothing line and comedy act.

“The term ‘cum’ as it relates to men and women has no other connotation than the sexual connotation of an orgasmic ejaculation,” Shanahan said. “A mark that is deemed scandalous under Section 2(a) is not registrable.”

In support of his decision to deny Carlson’s request, Shanahan included scores of photos obtained from Google image search after entering the term “cum.”

Carlson joked in response to Shanahan’s efforts to document the word’s vulgar meaning.

“He could have sent one picture,” she said. “He sent 10 megabytes.”

Carlson said she created the phrase as part of her act in an effort to reclaim the language from its vulgar meaning.

“Facials, pearl necklaces, happy endings — those are actually things that are precious to women, and guys have taken them and used them pornographically,” Carlson said. “So I started taking phrases and using them so they couldn’t have them anymore. ‘You cum like a girl’ was one of those things.”

Shanahan denied Carlson’s request in February. Her appeal, which was crafted with the help of patent attorney Matthew Jodziewicz, included examples of protected phrases the comic said she found profane. The phrases included “Evil Pussy,” “Wimpy Dicks” and “Just Suck It.”

Shanahan’s recent 16-page response, complete with scores of cumshots, marked the USPTO’s final decision.

Pointing out that the USPTO had approved a trademark for an adult distribution company to protect the phrase “Cum Together,” Carlson said she thought the examiner’s decision suggested a male bias.

Carlson has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union about appealing the USPTO’s decision in court.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More