Taylor Swift files trademarks to protect voice and image from AI-generated misuse
Taylor Swift has filed applications to trademark her voice and image, marking a significant move in response to growing concerns over artificial intelligence and its use in creating unauthorised content.
The singer submitted three trademark applications in the United States last week. These include protections for her likeness and specific audio clips of her voice, as well as a visual image of her taken during the Eras tour, where she appears in a sparkly bodysuit while playing a pink guitar.
The filings come after Swift has been targeted by AI-generated content in recent years. This has included manipulated images, fake promotional clips and other altered material circulating online. Among these were doctored images showing her appearing to support Donald Trump, as well as other content that did not originate from the artist.
Legal experts say the move could represent a new approach to protecting identity in the digital age. Trademark attorney Josh Gerben explained that while sound trademarks exist, using them to cover spoken voice recordings in this way has not yet been fully tested in US courts.
He suggested that registering specific phrases linked to Swift’s voice could provide additional legal protection. This could allow her to challenge not only direct copies but also imitations that are considered “confusingly similar”, a key standard used in trademark law.
The image-based application is designed to work in a similar way. By protecting a recognisable visual appearance, including elements such as clothing and pose, Swift’s team may be able to take action against altered or AI-generated images that resemble her.
Traditionally, artists have relied on copyright law to protect their music and right-of-publicity laws to safeguard their image. However, the rapid development of AI technology has complicated these frameworks. According to Gerben, digital tools now make it possible to replicate a person’s voice or likeness and distribute it widely, creating new challenges for legal protection.
Swift is not alone in addressing these issues. Other public figures have also taken steps to protect their identity as AI-generated content becomes more advanced. Matthew McConaughey has previously trademarked his voice and image for similar reasons.
Concerns about AI misuse have also been raised by figures such as Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston, highlighting the wider impact of the technology across the entertainment industry.
The increasing sophistication of AI tools has made it easier to generate realistic audio and visual content. While companies developing these technologies have introduced measures to limit misuse, concerns remain about how effectively these safeguards can be enforced.
Swift’s trademark filings reflect a broader shift in how artists and public figures are responding to these developments. By seeking legal protection for specific elements of her identity, she is attempting to establish clearer boundaries around how her voice and image can be used.
The outcome of these applications could influence how similar cases are handled in the future. As AI continues to evolve, questions around ownership, authenticity and control are becoming more central to discussions within the industry.
For now, Swift’s move represents an effort to adapt existing legal tools to address new technological challenges, as the line between real and generated content becomes increasingly blurred.