Taylor Swift has been raising eyebrows recently, but not for
the reasons you may think. This time, instead of the 25-year-old pop star’s love life
being the topic of discussion, it’s her recent legal activity. Swift & Co
has filed more than 37 federal trademark applications in the past six months,
setting off a firestorm of speculation.
Swift’s applications seek protection for phrases like “this
sick beat,” “Party like it’s 1989,” and “nice to meet you, where you been?”
Many of these phrases are actually lyrics from her immensely popular songs. Additionally,
instead of filing one trademark application for multiple classes of goods for
each mark, Swift has filed separate trademark applications for each class. The
result is over 16 filed trademark applications for each phrase, with each
application seeking protection for a different good or service. It may seem
like overkill, but there is actually a clever (albeit expensive) strategy
behind the parsed filings. If Swift was to run into problems with clearance for
any one class, the other applications for the same mark will not be affected.
Conversely, if all classes were claimed in one application and there was a
clearance issue, the entire application process for each class would be
stalled.
Below are some examples of the different classes of goods
and services Swift has filed applications for.
| "THIS SICK BEAT" | "NICE TO MEET YOU, WHERE YOU BEEN?" | "PARTY LIKE IT'S 1989" |
| Home Décor Bags Musical Instruments |
Entertainment Services Apparel Paper Products |
Hair Accessories Linens Utensils and Containers |
While some may be surprised at Swift’s aggressive protection
strategy, it’s not uncommon for a big time celebrity to capitalize on
registered trademarks. Swift has a major world tour on the horizon with a tremendous
merchandising opportunity. This flurry of trademark applications could be a
preventative measure to protect her brand from unauthorized use by vendors
while she is promoting her music worldwide, or it could indicate a potential
launch of a new line of products produced by Swift in anticipation of her tour.
Either way, there is a lot of money in the Taylor Swift
brand— her net worth is currently at $200 million.
This is not the first time Swift has been in the spotlight
for trademark issues. In 2014, she was sued
by online clothing retailer Blue Sphere, Inc., over her use of the phrase
“Lucky13”. Blue Sphere also did business under the name “Lucky13”, accusing
Swift of infringing on their trademark by marketing her own line of goods
bearing the name. The case is still ongoing.
Docket Alarm can help you keep up with Taylor’s legal
activity. Click here to view legal
actions involving Swift. To receive updates, you can hit the “get new
lawsuit alerts” button to keep tabs on Taylor.
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