In an effort to protect her identity from AI-generated impersonations, American singer and songwriter Taylor Swift has filed three trademark applications in the United States. The move comes as artificial intelligence technology increasingly allows for the creation of impersonations of public figures, and Swift is taking action to safeguard her voice and appearance from potential misuse.
Protecting Her Voice and Image with Trademarks
Swift’s latest legal move involves securing her voice and likeness from AI misuse. The superstar has submitted trademark applications that feature photos of her performing on stage and audio clips of her introducing herself. The purpose of these trademarks is to prevent unauthorized AI-generated versions of Swift’s voice and image.
Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben explained the significance of these filings, noting that artists who register their voice and image could prevent AI from using their likeness without permission. This legal protection would also cover situations where AI attempts to create “confusingly similar” versions of Swift’s voice and appearance, a key standard under trademark law.
Legal Protections Against AI Impersonations
By securing trademarks for specific phrases tied to her voice, Taylor Swift could challenge any AI that mimics her voice or creates an imitation that is close enough to confuse listeners. Gerben highlighted that if AI-generated content closely replicates Swift’s voice or image, Swift could take legal action for trademark infringement.
“If someone creates an AI-generated version of Taylor Swift with a guitar and in a jumpsuit, or something resembling her image, she now has a federal trademark claim,” Gerben stated on his blog.
Following a Growing Trend in the Entertainment Industry
Swift’s action mirrors a growing trend among celebrities seeking to protect their identities against AI manipulation. Earlier this year, actor Matthew McConaughey filed a similar trademark application to safeguard his voice and image from being used by AI technologies.
This legal initiative marks a crucial moment in the entertainment industry as artists become more aware of AI’s ability to replicate and misuse their voices and likenesses. By proactively registering her trademark, Swift is setting a precedent for other artists looking to protect their personal brand in the digital age.
