Taylor Swift's AI Defense: New Trademarks Filed

Taylor Swift has filed three new trademark applications, signaling a growing concern within the entertainment industry about the misuse of artists' identities by artificial intelligence. The filings, made through her company TAS Rights Management, include sound trademarks for her voice, specifically "Hey, it's Taylor Swift" and "Hey, it's Taylor." Additionally, a visual trademark was registered for a detailed photograph of Swift performing with a pink guitar and iridescent bodysuit.

This legal strategy mirrors that of actor Matthew McConaughey, who secured eight similar trademarks in 2025. The aim is to provide artists with additional legal remedies beyond existing publicity rights to combat AI-generated content that appropriates their voice and likeness without permission. Lawyers believe federal trademark infringement lawsuits offer a stronger deterrent than state-level right-of-publicity laws, as they apply nationwide.

The "trademark yourself" approach, while untested in court, could allow artists to issue takedown notices against AI platforms, similar to copyright enforcement. This move by Swift and McConaughey is seen as an exploration of how trademark law will adapt to the challenges posed by AI technology in protecting artists' intellectual property.