Taylor Swift files trademark applications to protect voice and image from AI deepfakes
35 Sources
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Taylor Swift Wants to Trademark Her Likeness. These TikTok Deepfake Ads Show Why
Last week, Taylor Swift filed a trio of trademark applications to protect her image and voice. One is meant to cover a well-known photograph of the pop singer holding a pink guitar during a concert on her record-breaking Eras tour, while the two sound trademarks are for simple identifying phrases:
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Taylor Swift Trademarks Her Voice and Image to Counter AI
Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he's not in front of a keyboard, you'll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies. Taylor Swift is
[3]
Taylor Swift is stepping up the legal war on AI copycats
Taylor Swift has been at the center of AI imitation controversies for years, and now, she's become the latest celebrity who's escalating attempts to protect herself from AI copycats. As usual, however, the legal system intersects with technology in complicated ways -- and Swift's efforts may be a
[4]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice, likeness to ward off AI deepfakes
April 27 (Reuters) - Pop superstar Taylor Swift filed trademark applications for two audio clips and one image of herself in what a trademark attorney said is an attempt to protect her voice and likeness from deepfake videos and audio created by artificial intelligence. The applications were filed
[5]
Taylor Swift files 3 new trademark applications. One expert says it is to curb AI threats
NEW YORK (AP) -- Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, a move one legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. Two of the applications filed Friday are sound trademarks
[6]
Taylor Swift files to trademark voice and image after AI concerns
Taylor Swift has applied to trademark her voice and appearance in an apparent attempt to protect herself from artificial intelligence impersonations. The pop superstar has lodged three trademark applications in the US - one using a photo of herself on stage during her Eras Tour, and the other two
[7]
There Will be No Taylor Swift, AI Version... if She Has Anything to Say About It
Taylor Swift is very protective of her image in the public eye. Turns out, she's quite protective of it in the eyes of AI, too. Now, the pop star is following a blueprint established by Matthew McConaughey to potentially create a legal shield that would protect her likeness from being used in
[8]
AI voice cloning is everywhere -- here's why Taylor Swift's new 'Legal Shield' is a blueprint for your digital safety
Taylor Swift isn't just protecting her hits, she's trademarking her identity If there's one thing the AI boom has made clear, it's that your face, voice, and identity are now federally protected assets. While superstars like Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey are leading the charge with sound
[9]
Taylor Swift Files Trademarks to Protect Image From AI Deepfakes
Global superstar Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications for her image in what is believed to be an attempt to protect her likeness from AI deepfakes. Swift filed trademark applications for one image of herself and two audio clips on Friday in a seeming effort to safeguard her voice and
[10]
Taylor Swift is taking legal action against the rising threat of AI misuse -- here's why the singer has filed trademark applications to protect her identity
* Taylor Swift has filed three trademark applications to protect her sound and image from AI deepfakes * It follows Matthew McConaughey's filings from January * Her trademarks reflect the industry's increasing concerns, but smaller artists are still feeling the burn AI interpretations are on the
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Taylor Swift wants to trademark her voice and image. What will it mean for AI?
Taylor Swift has reportedly filed to trademark her voice and image, in a move that could give her legal standing against AI deepfakes. According to Reuters, the pop superstar submitted applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Friday, for two audio files -- "Hey, it's Taylor
[12]
Taylor Swift files trademarks for voice and image amid concern over AI misuse
The singer's company filed three applications on Friday after Matthew McConaughey launched similar strategy Taylor Swift has filed applications to trademark her voice and image in a move seemingly designed to protect against AI misuse. On 24 April, Swift's company TAS Rights Management filed
[13]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and image to save from potential AI misuse | Fortune
Two of the applications filed Friday are sound trademarks covering her voice, one of her saying "Hey, it's Taylor Swift," and the other is "Hey, it's Taylor." The third application is for a visual trademark, described in the filing as "a photograph of Taylor Swift holding a pink guitar, with a
[14]
Taylor Swift Seeks Trademarks for Her Voice and Image to Fight AI Fakes - Decrypt
Matthew McConaughey previously used a similar legal strategy. Taylor Swift is moving to protect her voice and image from misuse by artificial intelligence through a new legal strategy, according to a report from Variety. On Friday, Swift's company, TAS Rights Management, filed three trademark
[15]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and image amid rise in AI deepfakes
Journalist Jo Ling Kent joined CBS News in July 2023 as the senior business and technology correspondent for CBS News. Kent has more than 15 years of experience covering the intersection of technology and business in the U.S., as well as the emergence of China as a global economic power. Taylor
[16]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice and likeness in era of AI deepfakes
Taylor Swift performs in Portugal in 2024. Pedro Gomes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management file Taylor Swift is taking new steps to protect her voice and likeness from AI misuse. The global pop superstar on Friday filed trademark applications for two audio clips of her voice. In one, she
[17]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice amid AI clone boom
New York (AFP) - Taylor Swift has filed applications with the US intellectual property office to trademark her voice, a move similar to one made by actor Matthew McConaughey, as AI-generated content surges. The singer submitted two sound recordings to the United States Patent and Trademark Office
[18]
Experts Explain How Taylor Swift's Trademark Strategy Could Redefine AI Rights | Newswise
Newswise -- As AI voice-cloning technology and deepfakes become more prevalent, Taylor Swift is making a strategic legal move that could redefine how celebrities protect their legacies. Her recent trademark applications signal a shift in the battle against unauthorized AI content that moves beyond
[19]
Celebrities like Taylor Swift are setting the guardrails for the AI age
Taylor Swift recently filed a series of trademark applications designed to protect the star from AI-enabled impersonations. Swift already holds a wide array of trademarks, but these latest filings, at least one intellectual property firm suggests, serve a new purpose: protecting the timbre and
[20]
Taylor Swift files 3 new trademark applications. One expert says it is to curb AI threats
NEW YORK (AP) -- Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, a move one legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. Two of the applications filed Friday are sound trademarks
[21]
Taylor Swift Files 3 New Trademark Applications. One Expert Says It Is to Curb AI Threats
NEW YORK (AP) -- Taylor Swift filed three new trademark applications with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, a move one legal expert theorizes it is to protect her voice and image from potential misuse through artificial intelligence. Two of the applications filed Friday are sound trademarks
[22]
Taylor Swift moves to protect voice, image from AI misuse
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 filings tied to the way Swift introduces herself and a signature concert image
[23]
Taylor Swift Just Trademarked Herself to Fight Back Against AI. What Does It Mean for Celebrities?
As AI-generated impersonations become more convincing -- and more widespread -- public figures are starting to consider how they can legally protect their image and likeness. Taylor Swift is the latest to test a new line of defense. On April 24, Swift's company filed three trademark applications
[24]
Taylor Swift Moves to Trademark Voice, Image to Combat AI Deepfakes
Actor Matthew McConaughey had also filed for similar trademarks Musician Taylor Swift has reportedly filed to trademark her voice and image. As per reports, the move comes amid rising artificial intelligence (AI)-generated deepfakes that, in particular, have affected celebrities and public
[25]
Is Taylor Swift's New Trademark Move Meant To Protect Her From AI Abuse?
The Associated Press has reached out to a representative for Swift as well as Rebecca Liebowitz, partner at law firm Venable, who is listed as the attorney on the filings. Requests for comment were not immediately returned. News of Swift's new trademark filings made the rounds on Monday after
[26]
Taylor Swift Files to Trademark Her Voice and Likeness in Era of AI Deepfakes
Taylor Swift performs on May 24, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal.Pedro Gomes / Getty Images for TAS Rights Management file Taylor Swift is taking new steps to protect her voice and likeness from AI misuse. The global pop superstar on Friday filed trademark applications for two audio clips of her voice.
[27]
Taylor Swift Files Sound and Image Trademarks as AI Deepfake Concerns Grow
Bravo Is Investigating How Heated Audio of 'Summer House' Reunion Leaked Taylor Swift has filed trademark applications pertaining to her voice and image amid continued concerns in the entertainment world over the rise of artificial intelligence and potential misuses of the evolving
[28]
Taylor Swift's identity under siege? Pop icon takes legal action as AI deepfakes spiral out of control -- Is this a preemptive strike against AI misuse?
Singer Taylor Swift has filed new trademarks for her voice and image. This move comes as concerns about AI deepfakes and misuse of celebrity likenesses rise. Swift's company filed applications for her performing image and specific spoken phrases. This action offers an extra layer of protection
[29]
Taylor Swift Files to Trademark Her Voice, Likeness to Ward off AI Deepfakes
April 27 (Reuters) - Pop superstar Taylor Swift filed trademark applications for two audio clips and one image of herself in what a trademark attorney said is an attempt to protect her voice and likeness from deepfake videos and audio created by artificial intelligence. The applications were
[30]
Taylor Swift Files New Trademarks For Voice And Likeness To Combat 'Threats' Posed By AI
Taylor Swift has taken a new legal step to protect her identity by seeking trademark rights for her voice and image as artificial intelligence deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated. Swift Expands Legal Defense Against AI Misuse According to filings submitted Friday to the U.S. Patent and
[31]
Taylor Swift Is Filing for Trademarks to Combat AI Misuse. Will It Work?
Netflix In Final Talks to Buy Radford Studio Lot at Around $330 Million Price Tag Taylor Swift is looking to add to her portfolio of trademarks, a legal move that appears to be aimed at pushing back against unauthorized artificial intelligence productions. Two of the trademark applications, filed
[32]
Taylor Swift takes a landmark stand against AI deepfakes
The star joins Matthew McConaughey in a new frontier to protect their likeness. Taylor Swift has applied to trademark her voice and likeness in a bid to protect her identity from AI abduction. The pop singer's identity has already been used in countless AI deepfake examples, from indecent imagery
[33]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice, likeness to ward off AI deepfakes
Pop superstar Taylor Swift filed trademark applications for two audio clips and one image of herself in what a trademark attorney said is an attempt to protect her voice and likeness from deepfake videos and audio created by artificial intelligence. The applications were filed with the US Patent
[34]
Taylor Swift applies to trademark her voice and image amid AI concerns | BreakingNews
By Lauren Del Fabbro, Press Association Entertainment Reporter US pop star Taylor Swift has applied to trademark an image of herself as well as her voice, amid growing concerns of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The 36-year-old, known for the hit songs Love Story and Shake It
[35]
Taylor Swift files to trademark her voice, likeness to ward off AI deepfakes
April 27 (Reuters) - Pop superstar Taylor Swift filed trademark applications for two audio clips and one image of herself in what a trademark attorney said is an attempt to protect her voice and likeness from deepfake videos and audio created by artificial intelligence. The applications were filed
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Taylor Swift filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect her voice and image from AI-generated deepfakes. The filings include two audio clips and one photo, marking a new legal strategy against unauthorized AI use as scam advertisements featuring AI-generated celebrities proliferate across social media platforms.
Taylor Swift Takes Legal Action Against AI Deepfakes
Taylor Swift filed trademark applications last week with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, seeking to protect her voice and image from AI deepfakes that have increasingly targeted her likeness
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. The three filings, submitted by TAS Rights Management on behalf of the pop superstar, include two audio clips featuring her saying "Hey, it's Taylor Swift" and "Hey, it's Taylor," along with a photograph showing her holding a pink guitar while wearing a multicolored iridescent bodysuit with silver boots on stage2
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. While Swift hasn't publicly commented on the reasoning behind these filings, intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben identified them as specifically designed to counter threats posed by artificial intelligence4
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Source: Inc.
The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Forgeries and Social Media Scams
The timing of these trademark applications coincides with mounting evidence of AI misuse targeting Swift and other celebrities. A recent report from AI detection company Copyleaks identified a cluster of sponsored videos on TikTok featuring AI deepfakes of Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna promoting scam advertisements for potentially fraudulent services
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. These fake ads used realistic-sounding voices and textured filters to mask flaws in the AI-generated visuals, showing the celebrities in fabricated interview settings discussing a nonexistent "TikTok Pay" rewards program1
. One deepfaked Swift appeared to use manipulated footage from her October appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, encouraging viewers to share personal information with third-party services1
. Swift has already dealt with numerous AI-generated forgeries, including a fake endorsement of Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle and pornographic deepfake images that circulated online2
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Source: CBS
How Trademarks Fill the Gap Left by Copyright Law
Traditional copyright law protects an artist's recorded music but not their voice itself, creating a vulnerability that AI technologies exploit by generating entirely new content that mimics an artist's voice without copying existing recordings
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. Gerben explains that trademark registration for a soundmark could potentially challenge not only identical reproductions but also imitations that are "confusingly similar" to the registered trademark3
. This represents untested legal territory, as registering a celebrity's spoken voice hasn't been examined in courts before2
. However, Alexandra Roberts, a professor of law and media at Northeastern University, expressed skepticism about whether Swift's audio clip demonstrates use as a mark rather than just a phrase included as part of a longer message3
. Typical soundmarks include isolated audio like the NBC chimes or MGM lion roar, not phrases embedded within promotional messages3
.Related Stories
Intellectual Property Protection as a New Weapon Against Unauthorized AI Use
While Right of Publicity laws enacted across several states allow people to take legal action against the misuse of their name or likeness, trademark filings can provide an additional layer of intellectual property protection
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. Xiyin Tang, a law professor at UCLA, notes that trademarks could help "warn off unsophisticated infringers" even if their legal standing remains uncertain3
. Swift isn't alone in pursuing this strategy for the legal war on AI copycats. Actor Matthew McConaughey trademarked his famous "alright, alright, alright" phrase from Dazed and Confused, securing eight trademarks including video clips of himself to protect against AI misuse2
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. McConaughey told the Wall Street Journal he wants to "create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world"4
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Source: BreakingNews.ie
The Broader Implications for Reputational Damage and Voice Imitation
The reputational damage that deceitful deepfakes pose to Swift's billion-dollar brand cannot be overlooked, especially as these AI-generated materials grow more sophisticated daily
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. Social media scams have surged overall according to a recent US Federal Trade Commission report, with Facebook scams accounting for the highest total of financial losses1
. The nonprofit Consumer Federation of America sued Meta last week, alleging the tech giant misled users about its efforts to crack down on scam advertisements while profiting from their proliferation1
. Currently, only Tennessee has passed a law specifically addressing AI-generated voice imitation of artists3
. Even YouTube's deepfake detection tool, which gives celebrities and creators the ability to remove AI-generated lookalikes, only applies to people copying their faces for now3
. In the absence of a larger framework for AI soundalikes, artists may increasingly turn to trademark law to defend against AI mimics targeting both their faces and voices. Gerben says he looks forward to the case when Swift sues AI platforms directly, noting that the legal theories behind her filings are strong[2](https://www.cnet.com/news/taylor-swift-trademarks-her-voice-and-image-to-counter-ai/].References
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