Taylor Swift is taking new steps to protect her voice and image in the age of artificial intelligence.
The pop superstar’s company, TAS Rights Management, filed multiple new trademark applications on April 24, including one related to the way Swift introduces herself and distinctive concert images related to her Ella tour.
One filing seeks protection for the spoken word “Hey, it’s Taylor,” which could help Swift challenge the misuse of her voice in AI-generated clips and online.
“Taylor’s trademark application signals a broader shift in how trademark law is applied to public figures to combat AI,” intellectual property and trademark attorney Josh Gerben wrote in a blog post. “Taylor Swift isn’t just seeking to trademark her catchphrase, she’s seeking federal protection for the sound of her voice saying it.”
As AI-generated songs, videos, and manipulated content continue to proliferate online, artists and actors are increasingly finding their voices and likenesses being used without their permission. Swift herself is already at the center of the controversy.
In January 2024, explicit, non-consensual images that appeared to be AI-generated impersonating the singer-songwriter circulated online, sparking outrage from fans and renewed calls for stronger federal protections against AI abuse. Platform X temporarily blocked searches for Swift’s name as it worked to remove content.
In August 2024, the “Showgirl Life” singer was also caught up in AI-generated political content. Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump shared a series of allegedly AI-generated images on Truth Social that suggested Swift and her fan base were supporting his campaign. This happened despite the singer having previously expressed opposition to Trump.
One image featured Swift dressed as Uncle Sam with the words, “Taylor wants you to vote for Donald Trump.”
“Musicians and actors increasingly have their voices and images used in unauthorized videos, songs, and digital content created by AI and distributed online,” Gerben wrote.
Swift’s team also filed for protection over a specific visual image of Swift on stage, wearing a glittering multicolored bodysuit and silver boots, holding a pink guitar. This image is closely tied to recent performances and promotional materials related to her record-breaking tour.
“Anyone can now create a version of an artist’s voice, make it say something, attach it to something, and distribute it at scale,” Gerben wrote. “And the scary thing is, it doesn’t have to be an exact copy to cause damage.”
A broader battle over AI protection is also playing out in Washington.
President Trump signed an executive order in December aimed at restricting states from enacting and enforcing their own AI laws, which could impact protections such as Tennessee’s ELVIS law for artists’ voices and likenesses.
Swift appears to be building new legal protection for key parts of her brand by filing trademarks for both her voice and her recognizable concert visuals.
Don’t miss any Taylor Swift news. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter, This Swift Beat.
Taylor Swift reporter Brian West on Instagram, TikTok, and X as @BryanWestTV.
