Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben first noticed the trademark filings and theorized that they were specifically designed to shield Swift from artificial intelligence-related threats, as he explained on social media, according to The Associated Press. Gerben noted that while Right of Publicity laws provide some protection against unauthorized commercial use of a celebrity's likeness, trademark registrations can offer an additional layer of security. Swift has been a frequent target of AI misuse: pornographic deepfake images of her have circulated online, and she was falsely depicted endorsing President Donald Trump in a fabricated campaign message, according to The Associated Press and other reports.
The applications were made on behalf of Swift’s TAS Rights Management, The Associated Press reported. All three have been approved and are awaiting assignment to an examining attorney, who will review the filings for compliance with trademark law, according to the filings obtained by The Associated Press. The Associated Press reached out to a representative for Swift and attorney Rebecca Liebowitz but did not immediately receive a response.
The visual trademark application describes a photograph of Swift holding a pink guitar with a black strap, wearing a multicolored iridescent bodysuit and silver boots, standing on a pink stage in front of a multicolored microphone with purple lights in the background, according to the filing. Swift's filings echo a broader trend among celebrities seeking to protect their intellectual property in the AI era. Actor Matthew McConaughey recently secured eight trademarks from the USPTO, including a sound mark of his iconic catchphrase “Alright, alright, alright,” according to The Associated Press and other outlets.
His attorneys stated that the trademarks were intended to prevent unauthorized AI uses and also to create new opportunities for AI-powered ventures. McConaughey further signed a deal with voice-cloning company ElevenLabs, granting it permission to replicate his voice with AI technology, according to The Associated Press. It remains unclear whether Swift will pursue similar licensing agreements, but the trademark filings signal a proactive approach.