Taylor Swift trademarks voice and image against AI impersonation
Taylor Swift is taking steps to protect her image and voice from AI impersonators by filing three trademark applications in the U.S. One of the applications includes a performance shot from her Eras Tour, along with two audio clips where she introduces herself while promoting her album. We've seen some troubling instances where AI has created inappropriate content featuring her and even a fake political ad for Donald Trump. Earlier this year, actor Matthew McConaughey was the first celebrity to use trademark laws against AI misuse. Trademark expert Josh Gerben pointed out that Swift's filings could help her fight against lookalikes, not just exact copies. The photo shows her in a vibrant outfit with a pink guitar, while the audio snippets include her greetings recorded for Spotify and Amazon Music last fall.
Key facts
- Taylor Swift filed three trademark applications in the US.
- Applications include a photo from her Eras Tour and two audio clips.
- AI-generated versions of Swift have appeared in explicit images and a fake election ad.
- Matthew McConaughey was the first celebrity to use trademark rules against AI misuse.
- Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben published details on his blog.
- The photo shows Swift holding a pink guitar with a black strap, wearing a multi-colored iridescent bodysuit and silver boots.
- The photo was used as an official promotional image for the Disney+ Eras Tour film.
- Audio clips feature Swift saying 'Hey, it's Taylor' and 'Hey, it's Taylor Swift' for Spotify and Amazon Music.
Entities
Artists
- Taylor Swift
- Matthew McConaughey
- Donald Trump
- Josh Gerben
Institutions
- Disney+
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
Locations
- United States