Woman sues Taylor Swift over 'Showgirl' trademark infringement

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The album cover of Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl"

Taylor Swift via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Taylor Swift has been sued in court over claims that the singer's latest album "The Life of a Showgirl" infringed on an existing trademark.

Las Vegas performer and writer Maren Wade filed a trademark infringement, false designation and unfair competition lawsuit in California federal court against Taylor and the Universal Music Group.

Also included in the lawsuit were TAS Rights Management — Taylor's company, which oversees her intellectual property — and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services.

Wade owns the trademark to "Confessions of a Showgirl," stemming from her "Las Vegas Weekly" column discussing her experiences in the entertainment industry dating back to her appearance on "America's Got Talent."

"Confessions of a Showgirl" has since expanded to become a podcast and live show. Wade's trademark registered over a decade ago covers live stage performances, theatrical productions and television, among others.

"A solo performer who spent twelve years building a brand shouldn't have to watch it disappear because someone bigger came along," said a legal representative for Wade in a statement.

The complaint claims that Taylor's "The Life of a Showgirl" was quickly "affixed to consumer goods, stamped onto labels, tags, and packaging, and deployed as a source identifier across retail channels — all directed at the same audience Wade had spent years cultivating."

According to the lawsuit, Taylor had tried to register "The Life of a Showgirl" with the United States' Patent and Trademark Office but had been declined because it was similar to Wade's trademark.

Similarities were drawn to both having "of a Showgirl" and being affiliated with musical entertainment, hence the possibility of consumers both parties may be connected.

Even so, Wade accused Taylor of ignoring her trademark, claimed that her brand's been undermined, and said people now think she copied the four-time Album of the Year Grammy winner.

Because existing trademarks take precedence over new bids, Taylor will either have to buy out Wade's trademark or take the fight to court.

Wade's lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages and a court order barring Taylor from continuing to use "The Life of a Showgirl."

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