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Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice, likeness to ward off AI deepfakes
The filings seek federal protection against AI-generated deepfakes and false endorsements, as trademark attorney Josh Gerben said the move tests new legal ground.
- On Friday, April 24, 2026, TAS Rights Management filed three U.S. trademark applications for Taylor Swift: two sound marks of her voice saying "Hey, it's Taylor Swift" and "Hey, it's Taylor," plus one performance image from her Eras Tour.
- Persistent AI-generated deepfakes—including explicit imagery and false political endorsements—prompted the filings. Swift previously expressed fears that AI could spread misinformation and exploit her identity without consent.
- Trademark attorney Josh Gerben noted the strategy is novel and untested in court. He explained trademark law prohibits "confusingly similar" imitations, providing an "additional layer of protection" beyond copyright.
- Actor Matthew McConaughey secured eight trademarks in 2025, setting a precedent Swift's team now follows. McConaughey's attorneys argued such protections create "a clear perimeter around ownership" against unauthorized AI impersonations.
- Legal experts suggest this "legal shield" strategy could become a survival guide for celebrities as AI threats grow. Though untested in court, the filings signal a shift toward federal trademark law as a tool against AI-generated replicas.
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Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and image to save from potential AI misuse
Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben says that the trademarks are “specifically designed to protect Taylor from threats posed by artificial intelligence,” in response to growing concerns that AI could challenge celebrities' abilities to control their voices and likenesses without their consent.
·New York, United States
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Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
Taylor Swift files 3 new trademark applications. One expert says it is to curb AI threats
Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office Friday. A legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence.
·United States
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Total News Sources212
Leaning Left45Leaning Right18Center79Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 32%
C 55%
13%
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