Taylor Swift Sued For Trademark Infringement

A Las Vegas performer sued Taylor Swift and Universal Music Group on Monday, seeking to block use of Swift’s album title "The Life of a Showgirl" and claiming the release infringes her trademark and threatens to "drown out" her long‑running "Confessions of a Showgirl" brand, the complaint says.

Plaintiff Maren Wade asked the court for an injunction preventing Swift’s continued use of the phrase and unspecified monetary damages, arguing Swift’s marketing and the album’s prominence have created confusing overlap with Wade’s column, touring stage show and registered trademark that date to 2014.

The suit notes the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last year refused Swift’s trademark application for "Life of a Showgirl" for musical performances and live entertainment services, citing potential consumer confusion with Wade’s preexisting mark. Wade’s attorney Jaymie Parkkinen said they respect Swift’s success but must protect smaller creators’ rights.

"The Life of a Showgirl," Swift’s 12th album, was released in October and broke streaming and sales records; spokespeople for Swift and Universal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The complaint cites examples of Wade’s decade‑long use of "Confessions of a Showgirl" in Las Vegas Weekly and touring stage performances that she says could be eclipsed by Swift’s branding.