The Harvey Weinstein rape trial has created a major spike in the #MeToo hashtag, already closely associated with the disgraced movie mogul, but has also created some legal issues for those seeking to cash in on the hashtag.
“It speaks to the staying power and longevity of #MeToo,” said Kellan Terry of research firm Brandwatch who report that the hastag has been seen 42 billion times across social media and news sites.
While Weinstein busily defends himself from sexually assaulting two women, the hastag’s commercial use has continued to develop.
Although the activist Tarana Burke began using the phrase “Me Too” online in 2006 with the intention of raising awareness about sexual assault, the hashtag went viral after the Weinstein allegations were first reported in October 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano wrote on Twitter on Oct. 15, 2017: “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
The virality of the hashtag then exploded, but it has been the commercial use of the tag that continues to explode.
Procter & Gamble Gillette male products launched #TheBestMenCanBe ad a year ago that combined mentions of #MeToo with an anti-bullying message and images of well-groomed men.
But there have been plenty of others, including a winemaker, cosmetics company and law firm among the businesses that have applied for a #MeToo trademark.
The Virginia law firm ExcellLaw, which regards itself as a ‘reformist’ law firm, has applied to trademark the term.
Some businesses were using the phrase prior to Milano’s viral tweet but it has only increased with the continued use of the hashtag.
Me Too Shoes was founded in 1996. President Adam Tucker said customers have urged the company to keep its name, and after #MeToo took off, it began donating a portion of sales to an anti-violence charity.
Derek Nelson, 22, of New York, was developing his MeToo social networking app for college students when the Weinstein allegations gave the name new meaning.
He said it has not exactly been a boon. Some students seem surprised to learn of a movement by the same name and will ask if he’s heard of it.
“I’m like, ‘Where have you been?’” said Nelson.
Read About Harvey Weinstein’s ‘Anti MeToo’ Lady Lawyer
Latest Law Firm News
- From Atticus to Alicia: How 9 Iconic Fictional Lawyers Shape Our Legal DreamsThe Lawyers From Movies-to-Novels That Inspire Us Ben Boman, LawFuel contributing editor Fictional lawyers in literature, television, and movies have… Read more: From Atticus to Alicia: How 9 Iconic Fictional Lawyers Shape Our Legal Dreams
- Another Big Boston Law Firm: Paul Hastings Launches OfficePaul Hastings has launched an office in Boston, with Alexander Temel, (pictured) formerly of Sidley Austin’s international private equity practice,… Read more: Another Big Boston Law Firm: Paul Hastings Launches Office
- The Australian ‘Me Too’ Lawyer Standing Against Workplace BullyingThirty-four year old Australian lawyer Stefani Costi received high level publicity over her attempts to deal with workplace bullying in… Read more: The Australian ‘Me Too’ Lawyer Standing Against Workplace Bullying
- How One Big Law Partner Managers Stress and Personal TragedyMax Savoie, a partner at Sidley Austin in the payments and fintech practice, has shared his journey on Law.com navigating… Read more: How One Big Law Partner Managers Stress and Personal Tragedy
- The Power Lawyer Moving From Big Law Giant to Consultancy LeaderMike McNamara’s New Role at Baretz+Brunelle Mike McNamara helped build Dentons into a global, legal powerhouse and has not become… Read more: The Power Lawyer Moving From Big Law Giant to Consultancy Leader
- Australian Lawyers Stunned By Death Of Innovative Leader Who Found Law Firm ‘Sweet Spot’Juan Martinez a ‘Force of Nature’ Described by the firm he lead as a giant of the Australian legal profession,… Read more: Australian Lawyers Stunned By Death Of Innovative Leader Who Found Law Firm ‘Sweet Spot’
- Trump’s Lawyer And His Bold Move – From Wall Street to Mar-a-Lago’s Defense FortressTrump’s Lawyer Lawyers start their own law firms for many reasons, but in the case of Donald Trump lawyer Todd… Read more: Trump’s Lawyer And His Bold Move – From Wall Street to Mar-a-Lago’s Defense Fortress
- The Rock ‘n Roll Judge Moves OnFrom Mick Jagger to the Judicial Conduct Commissioner After spending 50 years in court, the lively and music-loving Judge David… Read more: The Rock ‘n Roll Judge Moves On
- Leading Family Lawyer Elected As Senior Partner at Harbottle & LewisLondon-based Harbottle & Lewis has elected family lawyer Catherine Bedford as its senior partner, making her the first woman to… Read more: Leading Family Lawyer Elected As Senior Partner at Harbottle & Lewis