The potential Trademark battle between Cryptocurrency startup Wacoinda and Disney’s Wakanda
Written by Althea Cooper
Rarely have I automatically connected with an online community as I have with the members of the “Wacoinda” group on Facebook. A community poised to join together some of the greatest minds, innovators and executors whose combined contributions of love and patient consistent togetherness will target the eradication of economic oppression everywhere through education, unity, and technological advancements. Kick starting a new beginning on a leveled playing field — OUR OWN!
Two of the most vocal founders, Lamar Wilson and Lafe Taylor, are experts in the Financial and Information Technology arenas with specific emphasis on Blockchain Technology. They have dedicated their knowledge, time, and personal financial resources towards providing educational programs for under resourced communities and specifically disenfranchised youth. Their most recent involvement was serving as lead panelists for a session at the 2018 Wakandacon Conference held in Chicago, Illinois, where they were interviewed by James on the Lando Cal Experience (https://youtu.be/nqgctonP-Vs).
Enter The Walt Disney Company and its highly acclaimed movie production, Black Panther. The movie’s mythical city of Wakanda is the intellectual property of Disney, yet the trademark for “Wakanda” was published several weeks after “Wacoinda” published their name. Now, there may be a battle between a large corporation and a small startup company over the trademark rights to the word mark. The possibility of having to fight for the name “Wacoinda” does not matter to us, because #wearewacoinda. As Lamar Wilson states:
“Wacoinda is patient consistent togetherness of real people, and we are not concerned about Marvel’s request for an extension of time to possibly file an opposition. We will continue to build through Love to eradicate economic oppression.”
Building through love has been my personal experience since joining Wacoinda in April 2018. It was incredibly humbling to be welcomed by complete strangers from the moment I set up my “Wacoinda Fa-Eva Wallet” and entered my initial post requesting guidance and, of course, Garveys. The outpouring of love began immediately, with members sharing links to more information about Wacoinda, our various subgroups, and the cryptocurrency used to educate and exchange for goods and services on the Wacoinda Market between members of the community. We even have weekly virtual “block parties” from Friday through Monday where we have fun with memes, games, and simple challenges to win Garveys. These are the moments when the cohesiveness is developed and solidified with #realpeoplerealcommunity.
From Tuesdays through Thursdays, the Wacoinda group page has a more serious and focused tone where we learn from highly experienced members of our community — from articles, posts, diagrams, and live videos of consultations in starting a business to investing in stock options and cryptocurrencies. Within a totally decentralized system, it did not take long for me to realize that #iamwacoinda and am accountable for the success of our mission. Since joining the community, I have a better understanding of:
- the process of trademarking for a nonprofit organization;
- how to start an exporting business;
- how to sell products on Amazon; and
- how members can pool resources to invest in companies owned by other members of our community, such as Black Momma Tea and Cafe’s IPO.
Joining the various Wacoinda sub-groups allow me to connect with like-minded members to share health-related information, learn more regarding the technical aspects of a blockchain, collaborate on community projects, and participate in various avenues to support community members experiencing emergency personal situations.
#Thisiswacoinda, a community of real people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, working towards real solutions to eradicate economic oppression everywhere through education, unity, technological advancements, and love.
Come join our Wacoinda — Visitor Center to learn more about our community. Set up your wallet using referral codes 30a90 and bE409. Connect with us and #livelovelovelife!