Additional Coverage:
- Taylor Swift’s latest attempt to combat AI as she files three trademark applications (themirror.com)
Taylor Swift is once again taking action to safeguard her image and voice, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.
On April 24, the 36-year-old pop icon’s company submitted three trademark applications to the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
One application features a photograph of Taylor performing during her Eras Tour, showing her on stage with a pink guitar, donning a multi-colored iridescent bodysuit and silver boots. This particular image was previously used to promote her Eras Tour concert film on Disney+.
In addition to the visual trademark, Taylor is also seeking protection for her voice. The filings include two audio clips of her saying “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor,” both originally used in December 2010.
These moves appear to be part of a broader effort to combat unauthorized use of her likeness and voice, especially in light of the rising concerns around AI-generated content. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben noted that registering a celebrity’s spoken voice as a trademark is a relatively new legal strategy that could set important precedents. He suggested that should AI technology use her voice without permission, Taylor could argue trademark infringement.
Taylor’s caution is understandable given past experiences. Earlier this year, during the heated 2024 U.S. presidential race, an AI-generated image falsely showed her endorsing Donald Trump, a claim she quickly debunked and countered by publicly supporting Kamala Harris. She expressed her concerns on Instagram, highlighting the risks of misinformation amplified by AI.
Moreover, Taylor has been a target of deepfake pornography, with manipulated images of her circulating widely on social media, reportedly viewed by millions before being removed. This troubling misuse prompted platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to temporarily block searches for her name and increase monitoring to prevent further violations.
These incidents have sparked wider conversations in Washington, D.C., about the need for stronger legislation to address the challenges posed by artificially generated images and protect public figures from digital exploitation.
Taylor Swift’s recent trademark filings mark a significant step in the evolving battle to control one’s identity in the digital era, as she continues to pioneer new legal measures against misuse of celebrity likeness and voice.