In this clipof EYL, we're joined by the dynamic duo behind the iconic "Detroit VS Everybody" brand, Tommey Walker and Sean Xavier Williams, to delve into the grit and grind that built a movement. The phrase “Detroit VS Everybody” has transcended beyond just a slogan or a t-shirt; it’s now a worldwide anthem for underdogs and a symbol of perseverance. Join hosts Rashad Bilal and Sean Xavier Williams as they unravel the fascinating story of how this brand came to life and the legal hurdles faced along the way.The conversation kicks off with a look at the moment Keith Urban wore their apparel without acknowledging the brand, spurring a Google search frenzy, which eventually led people to their website and Instagram page. This incident marked the early recognition of the brand's growing popularity and highlighted the need for securing their intellectual property. Sean, who was in law school at the time, shares how he leaned on his legal education and professor’s guidance to file the initial trademarks.Sean describes the basics and intricacies of trademarking “Detroit VS Everybody” and the broader “VS Everybody” tagline. They discuss the legal landscape of holding a trademark that's so universal, touching on the complexities and expenses involved. Tommey and Sean explain the significance of filing for trademarks, providing data like specimens to prove they're actively using the mark in commerce, and the high costs of legal battles to protect their intellectual property.The duo also narrates their encounters with trademark infringements, from other vendors copying their designs to bigger entities like USA women's soccer team and NBA using similar taglines. While these issues are frustrating and time-consuming, they sometimes open doors for collaboration and licensing deals. They illustrate how these situations turn into opportunities for lucrative settlements and benefit the brand's exposure.Rashad emphasizes the importance of having a strong legal framework to safeguard one's creations against imitators who attempt to capitalize on the success of other brands. Through poignant anecdotes, like receiving an email from someone who admits to using their brand to support their child’s education, the guests showcase the paradoxical admiration and frustration of dealing with copycats.Sean and Tommey talk about the hefty legal fees which, at their peak, could reach up to $15,000 a month, underscoring the financial burden of safeguarding intellectual property. Tommey also shares an exciting account of wearing their shirt in Africa and the global reach of their brand, emphasizing the need for international trademark protection. They have strategically filed trademarks in various countries including the US, UK, EU, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa to ensure their brand remains protected worldwide.Finally, the discussion touches on the foresight behind expanding the trademark from “Detroit VS Everybody” to a more universal “VS Everybody.” Tommey's creative vision sought to make the phrase a timeless, ever-relevant anthem that resonates across different industries and demographics.This insightful session is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of creativity, business, and law. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on trademarking, protecting intellectual properties, and the journey of building a brand that’s more than just apparel but an inspirational movement.**Time Stamps:**00:00 - Trademarking and the Keith Urban Incident00:11 - Legal Battle and Costs02:11 - Settling Brand Infringements 03:37 - Emotional Anecdotes06:18 - Global Trademarks and Business Expansion07:22 - Vision and Foresight of “VS Everybody”**Hashtags:**#DetroitVsEverybody #TrademarkWars #IntellectualProperty #EYLMedium #StartupStruggles #BrandBuilding #LegalChallenges #Entrepreneurship #FashionIndustry #GlobalBrand Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from industry leaders! Join the "VS Everybody" movement and wear the pride!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome back to Market Mondays! In this enlightening clip, host Ian Dunlap sits down with the esteemed Senator Tim Scott to discuss pressing issues surrounding the K through twelve education system and the financial barriers of higher education in the United States. With the staggering costs of education and the stark disparity in quality between affluent and impoverished communities, this conversation is more relevant than ever.**Key Discussion Points:**1. **Quality Education for All:** Senator Scott emphasizes the critical need for quality education options for everyone, especially those living in poverty. Through his experiences and initiatives, he illustrates the stark contrast between the options available to wealthy families versus those from low-income backgrounds. He argues fervently for school choice as a solution, a sentiment that resonates across demographic lines and has found support among a significant percentage of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and blue-collar parents.2. **Success of Charter Schools:** Highlighting the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program and New York's Success Academy, Senator Scott delves into how charter schools have significantly outperformed public schools in terms of graduation rates and college attendance. With high school graduation rates over 90% and a notable increase in college attendance, these examples serve as a testament to the potential of school choice in bridging the educational divide.3. **Affordable Higher Education:** From his tenure on the Education Committee and personal experiences, Senator Scott suggests community colleges as a viable option to make higher education more affordable. States like South Carolina and Tennessee offer programs where the first two years of college are free at community colleges, with credits transferable to major universities. This strategy effectively halves the cost of a four-year degree without compromising on the quality of education.4. **Support for HBCUs:** During the COVID-19 pandemic, significant steps were taken to cancel over a billion dollars of debt for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through bipartisan efforts, these institutions garnered the highest funding in the nation's history, making this support permanent. Senator Scott argues that this measure is crucial for providing lifelong learning opportunities, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.5. **Long-Term Economic Benefits:** Despite the daunting $35,000 average debt for college graduates, the senator presents a silver lining. This investment equates to an additional $2 million in lifetime income, a compelling deal for those unable to finance their education through other means. This perspective encourages a broader view of education as a worthwhile long-term investment.**Why Watch?**Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or student, this episode is packed with insights that cut across party lines and socio-economic backgrounds. Senator Scott shares his bipartisan efforts and actionable solutions that aim to make quality education accessible and higher education affordable for all Americans.**Don’t miss out—hit play and join the conversation!****Timestamps:**0:00 - Introduction0:10 - Improving K-12 Education1:00 - Significance of School Choice2:00 - Success of Charter Schools in DC and NYC3:26 - Affordable Higher Education through Community Colleges4:38 - Debt Relief for HBCUs5:40 - Long-Term Economic Benefits of College Education**Subscribe and Follow Us!**If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions every Monday.**Hashtags:**#MarketMondays #EducationReform #SchoolChoice #CharterSchools #AffordableEducation #HBCUs #SenatorTimScott #IanDunlap #CommunityColleges #HigherEducation #LifetimeLearning #BipartisanEffortsJoin us on this journey toward redefining education for future generations!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy