Patrice Chappelle and her 14-year-old son, Bron, the founders of MELANBrand Skin, a Black-owned natural skincare brand for 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, are standing their ground after receiving a legally intimidating letter from Milani Cosmetics alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.

Milani Cosmetics is not a Black-owned brand, but it primarily targets Black women as its customers. The letter they sent ridiculously claims that MELANBrand Skin’s name is “confusingly similar” to Milani’s, suggesting that consumers could be misled.

Patrice comments, “For our brand, which was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 from my desire to create safe, natural skincare for melanated 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren and families, the letter felt like an attack on a dream we’ve built from the ground up.”

“When I opened the letter, I was stunned,” she continues. “I had never heard of Milani before, and suddenly they were accusing me of infringing on their trademark. This isn’t a hobby for me—it’s my life’s work. It’s my son’s future. To suggest our name confuses anyone feels not only wrong, but dismissive of the thought and meaning behind MELANBrand Skin.”

While Milani framed its outreach as “brand protection,” Patrice and Bron see the claim as meritless—and a burden no small business should be forced to shoulder unnecessarily.

“Let’s be clear: this isn’t a dialogue we intend to continue,” Patrice says. “There’s nothing to discuss when the claim has no basis. MELANBrand Skin was created to celebrate melanin and serve our community, not to imitate or confuse anyone.”

Patrice’s legal team has formally responded, noting that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has found no conflict between the names, and there has been zero evidence of consumer confusion.

“We respect Milani’s right to protect its brand,” MELANBrand Skin’s legal response states. “But that right doesn’t extend to unfounded claims against unrelated, distinctive businesses. MELANBrand Skin is distinguishable in sight, sound, meaning, and commercial impression—and it’s not up for debate.”

For Patrice and Bron, this isn’t just about one letter—it’s about how small, Black and minority-owned brands are often targeted with legal claims they can’t afford to fight quietly.

“Too many small businesses face these intimidating letters and feel forced into silence,” Patrice said. “We won’t. Our community deserves to know when these things happen—and we won’t be bullied behind closed doors.”

Milani has not publicly commented on the matter, but Patrice and Bron have made it clear: the claim will not derail their mission, and they will not engage in further talks on a matter they believe has no merit.

Learn more about Patrice and Bron’s company at their official website at MelanBrandSkin.com

Also, be sure to follow their journey on Instagram at @MelanBrandSkin

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