MC Lyte, born Lana Moorer, officially owns the rights to her stage name, and it only took her more than 30 years of patience to do it.
The “Partners In Rhyme” producer shared the moment she unwrapped her trademark registration paperwork with fans via Instagram video, in which she can be seen proudly reading the declaration that her brand is officially protected.
“’Congratulations on the federal registration of your trademark,'” she read. “‘Enjoy the everlasting peace of having a protected brand that you now have the exclusive right to use across the United States and the globe.’ Wow. There it is. There it is. Trademark. Thank you, Michelle Miller.”
In her post’s caption, the 50-year-old explained that she originally lost the legal rights to her stage name after her record deal with First Priority Music/Atlantic Records in the late 1980s granted the label all rights to her name instead.
“Own Your Brand- For years I was signed to a major label and they owned the rights to my name,” the “Ruffneck” rapper wrote in the post. “I created the name Lyte in 1985 that helped solidify my career in Hip Hop. I signed to the infamous @firstprioritymusic and they added the MC, appropriately due. We were blessed to sign a huge deal with a major label. “
After learning that the copyright was close to expiration from her old friend and former First Priority label mate DJ Nat “Gizmo” Robinson, she took his advice and made moves to reclaim ownership with help from her legal team.
“Not too long ago I received a call from the OG Nat Robinson who shared the copyright the label owned of my name was about to expire and if I wanted to grab it I should do it now,” she continued. “I put COO @lynnrichardson on top of it and she put it in the hands of Trademark Attorney @michellejmilleresq and the rest is history! Thank you to all involved![pink heart emoji] [folded hands emoji][pink heart emoji] [folded hands emoji]”
Fans were also proud to see the hip-hop legend make a boss move and take back what was rightfully hers.
“Like a boss [fire emoji][fire emoji][fire emoji][fire emoji][fire emoji]”
“The greatest female emcee ever!!!![applause emoji]”
“Congratulations sis!!! nobody could ever wear that name n make it look good but you[applause emoji][applause emoji][raising hands emoji][raising hands emoji][raising hands emoji][heart emoji][heart emoji][heart emoji]”
Celebrities including Keyshia Cole, Fat Joe, Erika Alexander, Melanie Fiona, Ginuwine, and more also flooded MC Lyte’s comments to congratulate her on taking control of her brand.
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