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Taylor Swift’s latest album, The life of a showgirlsparking a lawsuit from a writer accusing the singer of intentionally ignoring her claim to a similar name.
In a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in California, Maren Wade makes claims of trademark infringement, false representation and unfair competition against Swift and UMG Recordings. She is seeking unspecified damages and a court order prohibiting the singer from continuing to use the name of her chart-topping album.
“A soloist who spent twelve years building a brand should not watch it disappear because someone bigger came along,” Wade’s attorney, Jimmy Parkkinen, said in a statement.
In 2014, Wade appeared America’s got talenthe began writing a column in Las Vegas Weekly Titled “Confessions of a Showgirl” it is about her experience as an actress in the entertainment industry. Since then, it has also become a podcast and live show featuring pop and jazz music. Its brand covers live theatrical performances, theatrical productions and television, among others.
But last year, Swift released her 12th studio album, The life of a showgirl. “They did not do this quietly,” the complaint states. “Within weeks, the designation was plastered on consumer goods, stamped on labels, labels, and packaging, and disseminated as a source identifier across retail channels — all directed at the same audience that Plaintiff had spent years cultivating.”
When Swift applied for registration The life of a showgirlThe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected his application because it was confusingly similar to Wade’s mark, according to the lawsuit. She noted that the names share a key phrase, “from a showgirl,” and stressed that both are used in connection with entertainment that includes musical and theatrical performances, which is likely to lead consumers to believe there is a connection between the two sides.
Existing brands usually take priority over new bids. Now, Swift faces the choice of buying Wade’s name claim or fighting the case in court.
In the lawsuit, Wade accuses Swift of ignoring its trademark. She says her brand has been undermined, with consumers believing she is imitating the singer. “The continued erosion of this mark threatens the entirety” of Wade’s brand, the complaint says.
Swift, who declined to comment, has one of the most comprehensive trademark portfolios in the entertainment industry, with more than 170 active or pending registrations spanning names, phrases and brand designations. Its global business operations include TAS Rights Management, which controls Swift’s trademarks across goods and services, and Bravado, which manufactures products under the artist’s brand.
