Taylor Swift Sued for Trademark Infringement Over Album Title

Maren Wade, a writer and performer, has sued Taylor Swift and UMG Recordings for trademark infringement, false designation, and unfair competition.

The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, alleges that Swift knowingly disregarded Wade's claim to the name 'The Life of a Showgirl' for her latest album. Wade is seeking unspecified damages and a court order to prevent Swift from continuing to use the album's name, which has topped the charts.

Wade, who appeared on 'America’s Got Talent', began writing a column in 2014 in 'Las Vegas Weekly' called 'Confessions of a Showgirl', which later became a podcast and live show. Her trademark covers live performances, theatrical productions, and television, among other things.

According to Jaymie Parkinnen, Wade's lawyer, a solo performer who spent twelve years building a brand shouldn't have to watch it disappear because someone bigger came along.

When Swift applied to register 'The Life of a Showgirl', the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office initially rejected it due to its confusing similarity to Wade's mark.

The office noted that the names share the key phrase 'of a Showgirl' and that both are used in connection with entertainment involving musical and theatrical performances, which would likely lead consumers to believe there is a connection between the two sides.

In the lawsuit, Wade accuses Swift of ignoring her trademark, which has undermined her own brand, leading consumers to believe that she copied the singer.

The lawsuit notes that the continued erosion of that mark threatens the entirety of Wade's brand. Now, Swift faces the option of buying out Wade's claim to the name or litigating the case in court.

Taylor Swift, who declined to comment, owns one of the most extensive trademark portfolios in the entertainment industry, with over 170 active or pending registrations.

Her global merchandising operation includes TAS Rights Management, which controls Swift's trademarks across goods and services, and Bravado, which manufactures products under the artist's brand.