The biological mother of 'Lilla Hjärtat' protests against Melinda Jacobs' trademark registration of her late daughter's nickname. The case, which gained significant attention for children's rights, involves accusations of commercial exploitation. Jacobs, who fostered Esmeralda, faces backlash from the family and has resigned from her association's board, demanding a name change.
Controversy Over 'Lilla Hjärtat' Trademark Sparks Protests
Controversy Over 'Lilla Hjärtat' Trademark Sparks Protests
The biological mother of 'Lilla Hjärtat' is now protesting against Melinda Jacobs' trademark registration of her late daughter's nickname.
Three-year-old Esmeralda was found dead with a head injury and drugs in her system at her mother's home in 2020. The case received significant attention and led to a major movement for children's rights.
Her mother was sentenced to eight years in prison for manslaughter by the Court of Appeal.
Next year, she may be eligible for conditional release.
Melinda Jacobs, who was Esmeralda's foster mother, founded the non-profit organization 'Lilla Hjärtats Vänförening' to support children in foster care.
Recently, a dispute has shaken the organization. Parts of the board accuse Melinda Jacobs of using the name 'Lilla Hjärtat' to sell commercial products for personal gain.
After several rounds, Melinda Jacobs announced over the weekend that she is resigning from the board, with the demand that the organization changes its name.
Biological Mother's Protest
Melinda Jacobs applied this summer to trademark the name 'Lilla Hjärtat', including for selling children's clothing, makeup, and soaps, according to the application.
This was met with protests from Esmeralda's biological siblings.
"She has used a family's deepest tragedy as her primary source of income," they wrote in a protest submitted to the Patent and Registration Office.
Now, another person has protested:
Esmeralda's mother, who is serving a prison sentence for taking the girl's life.
"NN fully supports the objection made by Esmeralda's (...) siblings on July 30, 2025, against the trademark application made by the applicant," the protest states.
"Already Launched Jewelry"
The mother objects to Melinda Jacobs' intention to use the name commercially.
"The applicant has already launched, among other things, jewelry and skin and hair care products with this name in collaboration with various companies and actors."
Expressen has contacted Melinda Jacobs' lawyer Monica Crusner, who declined to comment. She previously stated:
"Melinda strongly opposes the notion that she has exploited Esmeralda's name, nickname, or memory in any way. She has only wanted to do good for vulnerable children and has never intended to use any of these for personal gain. She is extremely concerned that Esmeralda's nickname is preserved with dignity."
"For the Siblings' Sake"
Esmeralda's mother's lawyer Emelie Righammar writes in a comment:
"(She) only wants to add that she, as Esmeralda's guardian, submitted the protest for the siblings' sake, as they have been ignored and suffered the most over the past five years. Her protest is a reinforcement of the protest previously submitted by the siblings."