Taylor Swift trademarks voice, image amid AI concerns
The rising AI concern has moved global music star, Taylor Swift to file new trademark applications aimed at safeguarding key elements of her identity.
This move resulted from fresh legal strategy that is emerging among top entertainers as concerns grow over how artificial intelligence can replicate voices and likenesses without consent.
The filings, submitted on April 24 through her company TAS Rights Management to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, include two sound-based trademarks. Both center on short spoken phrases associated with the artist: “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor.” A third application focuses on a specific visual depiction of the singer—capturing her holding a pink guitar on a brightly lit stage in a distinctive outfit.
Legal observers say the move reflects mounting anxiety across the entertainment industry about AI-generated content. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, who first noted the filings, pointed out that artists are increasingly seeking ways to prevent unauthorized use of their voice and likeness in synthetic media.
Traditionally, trademark law has not been designed to protect a person’s general identity. However, this evolving strategy builds on a theory already tested by Matthew McConaughey. His legal team successfully secured multiple trademarks in 2025, including rights to his iconic “Alright, alright, alright!” line from Dazed and Confused, along with audio and video elements tied to his persona.
The idea is to complement existing “right of publicity” laws—which vary by state—with federal trademark protections that can be enforced nationwide. This broader reach could offer celebrities a stronger legal tool against misuse, especially in the fast-moving AI landscape.
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