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A trademark infringement lawsuit filed in federal court in California alleges that Taylor Swift’s 2025 album, The Life of a Showgirl, improperly borrows from the branding of a real showgirl’s established work.
Maren Wade, a singer, songwriter, comedian, and writer, claims that Swift’s album title and promotional imagery closely resemble her own “Confessions of a Showgirl” brand. Wade’s brand originated from a column she wrote for the Las Vegas Weekly starting in 2014, which she later adapted into a live touring show centered on the behind-the-scenes life of Las Vegas showgirls.
According to the lawsuit, both use a similar phrase structure and share an overall commercial impression, targeting overlapping markets and audiences. Wade’s “Showgirl” brand includes performances, written work, and digital media, and she filed the suit under her legal name, Maren Flagg.
Swift’s album, which sold 4 million copies in its first week, features cover art of the superstar in cabaret-style attire with a distinctive orange and mint green color scheme. Shortly after the lawsuit became public, Swift released a new video for the album’s track “Elizabeth Taylor,” which includes archival footage of the late Hollywood icon.
Initially, Wade seemed supportive, sharing social media posts featuring Swift’s music and related hashtags, but her online presence has since quieted. The suit also names Swift’s trademark management company, record label, and merchandising arm as defendants.
The complaint argues that Swift’s overwhelming commercial reach has caused “textbook reverse confusion,” where the newer, more prominent use eclipses and diminishes the original “Confessions of a Showgirl” brand. Wade and her attorney contend that Swift’s team should have been aware of the existing trademark.
They point to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s refusal to register “Life of a Showgirl” due to potential confusion with Wade’s mark. The lawsuit notes that despite this official notice, Swift’s camp proceeded with the branding.
The USPTO letter also highlights a conflict with a separate pending trademark for “Showgirl,” related to perfume products. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to stop Swift and her affiliates from using the “Life of a Showgirl” name and imagery, along with monetary damages based on profits generated from the disputed branding.
Representatives for Taylor Swift have declined to comment on the lawsuit.