CREEPYPASTA trademark application causes backlash and allegations of harassment

A community of horror fiction enthusiasts dedicated to the literary genre known as ‘creepypasta’ have been fiercely debating a recent trademark application for the term. While one author claims it is an effort to “steal” the genre from the community, the registrant claims it is a way to “protect and preserve the term against corporate monopolisation”. The ongoing debate is a reminder of the passion – and anger – that can be stirred by trademark applications for community-created terms.