September 8th, 2017

Taylor Swift and Trademarks – A Love Story

Reading, Pennsylvania native and singer of the songs we all play alone in the car with the windows up, has garnered some attention recently for her supposed intent to trademark titles and phrases from her new album, Reputation. According to inside sources, Taylor Swift intends to obtain trademark registration for the song lyric “The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now” and the titular phrase “Look What You Made Me Do,” among others, for use on t-shirts and guitar picks (presumably featuring a very small font). She already has over 80 registered and pending trademark applications for marks including “T.S.,” “This Sick Beat,” and “Swiftstakes,” which are used in connection with a variety of goods and services including guitar picks, drumsticks, sunglasses, and fan contests. Some criticize Ms. Swift for her shrewd commercial ambition but fans know there’s no “bad blood” in her motives. She saw a blank check, baby, and she wrote her name.


Attorney Nicole J. O’Hara focuses her law practice on intellectual property matters, assisting businesses and individuals in obtaining copyrights, trademarks, and patents, as well as counseling them on licensing matters.

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