In one of the most asinine revelations in church history, it has come to our attention that the extremely common phrase, “worship leader,” has been trademarked and is threatening legal actions against people who are using it.

Depending on the specific phrase and how it is being used, in general, common phrases cannot be trademarked because they are considered too generic and descriptive of the underlying goods or services. However, if a common phrase is used in a unique way that creates a distinctive association with a specific product or service, it may be possible to obtain a trademark for that use. For example, the phrase “Just Do It” is a common phrase, but Nike has successfully trademarked it for use in connection with its products.

Additionally, if a common phrase has acquired a secondary meaning and has become associated with a specific brand or company, it may be possible to obtain a trademark for that use as well.

Well, one man who goes by the name “Rogue Worship Leader” on social media says he’s been getting legal notices to “cease and desist” using the phrase “Worship Leader” in his online name because of the trademark. We looked into it and found out that what the guy claims is true.

We looked it up on Justia and found that a company called Authentic Media LLC has a registered trademark active since 2016 and, literally, legally, own the rights to the phrase.

Despite the company’s admission in the trademark that the phrase has been around and in use since at least 1998, on the front page of Authentic Media’s website appears the assertion “we literally cointed the phrase ‘Worship Leader.'”

How pathetically stupid and this company ought to be ashamed. This is like claiming that you have coined the phrase “children’s pastor” and then trademarking it. No, this company did not coin the phrase, this company is simply trying game the trademark system for selfish gain.


Here’s the guy they’re harassing: