Despair, Inc is a company based in Austin, Texas, that produces posters and souvenirs that satirize the motivational indoctrination common in corporate environments.

[2][3][4][5] They are known for their cynical and ironic "Demotivator" items, which parody the grandiose imagery and solemn language of Successories, a range of motivational products.

A running gag is that the category "Disaffected College Students" (or a variant thereof) is included as the last candidate in most listings.

In 2000, Despair, Inc. obtained a registered trademark in the US for the familiar frowny emoticon :-( when used on "greeting cards, posters and art prints".

In 2001, they issued a satirical press release, announcing that they would sue "anyone and everyone who uses the so-called 'frowny' emoticon, or our trademarked logo, in their written email correspondence.