Cardi B applies to trademark 'Okurrr'

  • Published
Cardi BImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

The star wants to use the phrase on t-shirts and posters

Cardi B has filed to trademark her catchphrase / sound effect, "Okurrr".

The New York-born star peppers the phrase throughout her Grammy-winning debut album, Invasion of Privacy.

Last year, she described it as sounding like a "cold pigeon in New York City, external".

The application, external was made by her company, Washpoppin, and would cover merchandise like t-shirts and hoodies.

A second application was made for "paper goods, namely cups and posters".

This YouTube post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on YouTube
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
Skip youtube video by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Allow YouTube content?

This article contains content provided by Google YouTube. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Google’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. YouTube content may contain adverts.
End of youtube video by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

According to Cardi, the phrase is "almost like, 'OK' but the 'okayyyy' is played out" with an extended series of rolled Rs.

It can be used as a simple affirmation or, with a change of inflection, as a comeback to someone who's in desperate need of criticism.

Cardi's trademark application helpfully clarified that "Okurrr" is correctly spelled with three Rs.

But she also made sure to submit an alternative spelling, using two Rs, to combat knock-off merchandise.

Pop's top trademarks

The rapper is not the first star who's attempted to trademark catchphrases and lyrics.

In 2015, Taylor Swift filed to protect phrases including "this sick beat" and "we never go out of style" from her hit album 1989; while Britney Spears made a failed attempt to trademark the song title Toxic in 2005.

Prince's estate is currently trying to trademark a specific shade of purple, called Love Symbol #2, which it claims is the "official colour across the brand he left behind".

And Beyonce and Jay-Z have even tried to trademark their daughter's name, Blue Ivy Carter, in an attempt to stop opportunists from using her name on unlicensed products.

However, their applications have been turned down by the United States Patents and Trademark Office, with a fourth attempt currently under review.

Follow us on Facebook, external, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, external, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents, external. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk, external.

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.