Taylor Swift has filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, a move that legal experts suggest is aimed at protecting her voice and image from misuse by artificial intelligence. The filings, made on behalf of Swift's TAS Rights Management, include two sound trademarks for the phrases “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor,” as well as a visual trademark featuring a photograph of Swift holding a pink guitar on stage.
Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, who first noted the filings, theorised that the trademarks are “specifically designed to protect Taylor from threats posed by artificial intelligence.” He explained that while “Right of Publicity” laws offer some protection against unauthorised use of a celebrity’s likeness, trademark filings can provide additional safeguards.
Swift has previously been a target of AI misuse, including pornographic deepfake images and a fake endorsement of Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign. The new trademarks are awaiting assignment to an examining attorney.
Swift is not alone in pursuing such protections. Actor Matthew McConaughey secured eight trademarks in January, including a sound trademark for his catchphrase “Alright, alright, alright,” to protect his voice and likeness from AI. He later made a deal with voice-cloning company ElevenLabs to allow its technology to replicate his voice.
