Taylor Swift files trademarks to protect her voice and image from AI misuse

Taylor Swift is taking new legal steps to protect her voice and image as concerns grow about artificial intelligence misusing celebrities’ identities.

On April 24, Swift’s company, TAS Rights Management, filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Two of them are for short audio phrases in her voice: “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor.” The third application covers a specific image of Swift holding a pink guitar while wearing a colorful bodysuit and silver boots on a pink stage.

These filings are part of a broader effort by entertainers to guard against AI-generated content that imitates their voice or likeness without permission. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, who first reported the filings, said this approach could give celebrities stronger legal tools to fight misuse.

Traditionally, trademark law is not meant to protect a person’s general identity. Instead, artists have relied on “right of publicity” laws, which vary by state and limit unauthorized commercial use of someone’s image or voice. Trademark protection, however, applies nationwide and can be enforced in federal court, which may make it more effective in some cases.

Actor Matthew McConaughey has already used a similar strategy. In 2025, he secured several trademarks, including one for his famous line, “Alright, alright, alright!” His legal team believes trademarks can add another layer of protection against AI-generated impersonations.

Swift has already been affected by AI misuse. Fake images and content using her likeness have circulated online, including explicit images and false political endorsements. These incidents highlight the growing risks celebrities face as AI tools become more advanced.

Legal experts say the “trademark yourself” strategy is still new and has not yet been fully tested in court. However, it could allow artists to demand takedowns of AI-generated content in a way similar to how companies enforce copyrights or trademarks today.

In a separate legal issue, Swift is also facing a lawsuit from a Las Vegas performer who claims Swift’s album title “The Life of a Showgirl” is too similar to her existing trademark, “Confessions of a Showgirl.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office previously rejected Swift’s attempt to trademark that title due to possible confusion.

Overall, Swift’s latest filings show how the entertainment industry is exploring new legal strategies to keep control over identity and creative work in the age of AI.