Taylor Swift sued over The Life Of A Showgirl album title trademark infringement

Taylor Swift is facing a lawsuit over trademark infringement related to her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl. Las Vegas singer and writer Maren Wade, who owns the trademark for Confessions of a Showgirl, claims the singer’s album title undermines her established brand.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday in a California federal court. Wade accuses Swift and UMG Recordings of trademark infringement, false designation, and unfair competition. She is seeking damages and a court order to stop Swift from using the album name.

Wade, a solo performer and former contestant on America’s Got Talent, has spent over a decade building her brand. Since 2014, she has written a column called “Confessions of a Showgirl” for Las Vegas Weekly, sharing her experiences in the entertainment industry.

The brand has also expanded to a podcast and live shows featuring pop and jazz music. Her trademark covers live stage performances, theatrical productions, and television.

Swift released The Life of a Showgirl last year. According to the complaint, the album’s name was quickly used on consumer goods, labels, tags, and packaging targeting the same audience Wade had developed over many years.

The lawsuit notes that when Swift applied to register The Life of a Showgirl with the US Patent and Trademark Office, the application was declined due to similarities with Wade’s trademark. Both names share the phrase “of a Showgirl” and relate to entertainment involving musical and theatrical performances. This, the complaint argues, could confuse consumers into thinking the two are connected.

Trademark law generally gives priority to existing marks over new applications. Swift now faces the choice of negotiating with Wade or contesting the case in court.

Wade claims Swift ignored her trademark rights, causing confusion among consumers who believe Wade copied the singer. The complaint states that this ongoing erosion threatens Wade’s entire brand.

Swift has not commented on the lawsuit. She holds one of the largest trademark portfolios in the entertainment industry, with over 170 active or pending registrations. Her merchandising operations include TAS Rights Management, which manages her trademarks worldwide, and Bravado, which produces goods under her brand.