It's the latest showbiz showdown: Maya vs Maya.
Maya Jama’s bid to launch a Kardashian- style retail empire in the US has hit a snag… as another Maya has got there first.
The new Love Island host recently lodged a bid to trademark her name against a range of luxuries, from perfume to jewellery.
But Jama, 28, has since been told it is too similar to an existing application lodged by a little-known American actor and singer called Maya J Jenkins.
The US-based Maya has already applied to trade mark the label Maya J. The 25-year-old has appeared in a series of TV shows including the now-cancelled Famous in Love, which starred ex-Disney actress Bella Thorne.
Jenkins also has a handful of tracks on Spotify which attract just a few hundred plays per month.
Meanwhile, her British namesake has 2.5 million followers on Instagram, plus a series of high-profile TV roles.
Tonight, Jenkins’ representatives said: “Maya J is a registered trademark of Maya J Jenkins, and the artist retains exclusive entertainment use in the United States.
“Maya J is actively using her artist name for her entertainment brand, which is why it was trademark registered several years ago with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
“If the USPTO has alerted Maya Jama of any conflict due to name similarity and name usage within the same industries, then we should all be appreciative of the USPTO for fulfilling their mission to help protect the already registered trademarks in its database.”
Jama’s legal team has been given six months to respond with reasons why her application should be approved.
The TV presenter has racked up a multimillion-pound fortune since breaking into the world of showbiz.
She has also worked with Coca-Cola, fronted dating campaigns and promoted skincare ranges and clothing.
Jama has been approached for comment.
