03/12/2026
🚨 Walter Johnson, better known online as “Mr. Tendernism,” has officially secured the trademark for the viral catchphrase “Tendernism.”
After a dispute with Destination Smokehouse over the use of the name, Johnson worked with attorney Kenneth Harris to win the rights and clearing the way for him to launch his own business and brand built around the phrase that went viral.
But the story isn’t over yet.
Reports say a third party filed a new trademark application for “Tendernism” on Feb. 22, 2026, which could potentially lead to another legal battle over the name.
The bigger lesson:
When something you create goes viral, ownership matters.
Because in the age of the internet, a catchphrase can quickly turn into a real business.
