Taylor Swift’s legal team has submitted new trademark applications for two sound marks symbolizing her vocal identity and one design mark incorporating a shimmering image from the Eras Tour. These filings have drawn attention from legal professionals and industry experts, who view them as part of a broader movement to protect intellectual property amid the rise of AI-generated content.
Trademarks for sound and design have been recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for some time. However, the timing and specifics of these applications point to a more deliberate strategy. By registering her voice and the unique visual elements from the Eras Tour, Swift may be taking measures to safeguard against unauthorized usage, particularly by AI systems that could imitate or distort her image or voice.
These trademarks could provide Swift with legal recourse against any use of her likeness or voice that is substantially similar and potentially misleading, especially in entertainment, music, or digital media contexts. This includes scenarios where her image or voice might be misused in AI-generated deepfakes, political contexts, or commercial campaigns.
Similar protective measures are being taken by other public figures. For example, Matthew McConaughey’s legal team obtained a federal trademark registration for his famous catchphrase in late 2025, with the goal of preventing its exploitation by AI.
Platforms such as IP Defender offer monitoring services across multiple national trademark databases, enabling early detection of potential conflicts. These services cover over 50 countries, including the entire EU, the U.S., Australia, and numerous others, as well as the EUTM and WIPO databases.