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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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Swift has filed trademark applications for audios and a photo – a new approach in the fight against AI-generated counterfeits.
·Zürich, Switzerland
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Total News Sources246
Leaning Left49Leaning Right21Center90Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 31%
C 56%
13%
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