Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and mannerisms to protect against AI misuse. On Friday, April 24, Swift’s company filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Two of them are related to her introducing herself, and the third is an iconic image of her holding a guitar.
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice amid AI concerns
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and iconic imagery amid AI concerns. She has filed to trademark the phrases, “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” and “Hey, it’s Taylor.” The third is a visual trademark of her iconic imagery. It showcases “a photograph of Taylor Swift holding a pink guitar, with a black strap and wearing a multi-colored iridescent bodysuit with silver boots. She is standing on a pink stage in front of a multi-colored microphone with purple lights in the background” (via Variety).
Josh Gerben, intellectual property attorney of Gerben IP, revealed that Swift is one among the growing number of celebrities concerned over AI misuse. Miscreants have misused Swift’s voice, likeness, and iconic imagery in the past. It was to create AI images and videos without her consent.
Certain folks on the internet haven’t simply used AI images and videos for harmless fun. But these have actually found their way to pornographic sites. Not only that, in the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Trump shared AI-generated images of the singer. It was wrongfully suggesting that she endorsed Trump as President.
Interestingly, actor Matthew McConaughey secured similar trademarks, especially for his iconic “Alright Alright Alright” line. Gerber believes Swift and McConaughey’s move against AI could change things. He said, “Ultimately, Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey’s recent trademark filings are testing new theories on how trademark law will work in the AI age.”
Swifties have fully backed her decision. One fan commented, “I need more artists to follow this in order to protect their unique vocal tones. She is so mother for this!” A second fan wrote, “That’s a genuinely smart move by Taylor. I really hope she sets a strong precedent for other artists and celebrities to protect their voice, likeness, and identity from AI misuse.”
Originally written by Anwaya Mane on Mandatory.
