Taylor Swift has reportedly filed trademark applications for her voice and image, according to a report by news agency Reuters. Swift filed applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office last week, seeking trademark protection for two audio clips and one image of herself. The move is aimed at protecting her likeness from misuse by artificial intelligence (AI). Swift's image and voice have previously been used in many AI-generated deepfakes, including fake ads, false political endorsements, and explicit content.
Taylor Swift Trademarks Two Audio Clips and a Photo
As stated in the Reuters report, Taylor Swift's applications include two audio clips and a photo. The applications list Swift's TAS Rights Management as the owner of the audio clips and images. In one clip, Swift says: "Hey, it's Taylor Swift, and you can listen to my new album, 'The Life of a Showgirl,' on demand on Amazon Music Unlimited." The second clip says: "Hey, it's Taylor. My brand new album 'The Life of a Showgirl' is out on October 3 and you can click to presave it so you can listen to it on Spotify." The image included in the filing shows the pop star performing on stage with a guitar.
Legal Expert Insights
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, cited by the news agency, said the filings are "specifically designed to protect Taylor from threats posed by artificial intelligence." He added that trademarks could provide an additional layer of protection alongside existing laws. Gerben noted that historically, singers relied on copyright law to protect their recorded music. But AI technologies now allow users to generate entirely new content that mimics an artist's voice without copying an existing recording, creating a gap that trademarks may help fill.
Not a First
The report noted that similar filings have been made by other public figures. Actor Matthew McConaughey has also taken steps to protect his voice and likeness. In January, McConaughey told The Wall Street Journal that "we want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world."
