Pop superstar Taylor Swift has filed new trademark applications to protect her voice and likeness, as concerns mount over the rapid rise of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes.
Swift’s company, TAS Rights Management, submitted three applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office on April 24, 2026, according to public filings.
Two applications seek to trademark distinctive audio clips of the singer saying “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor,” while a third covers a specific image of the artist holding a pink guitar during her record-breaking Eras Tour, dressed in a multicolored bodysuit with silver accents.
Legal experts say the move could strengthen Swift’s ability to combat unauthorized uses of her identity, particularly AI-generated imitations. Intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben said such filings may provide additional grounds for legal action against synthetic content that mimics her voice or appearance.
“Theoretically, if a lawsuit were filed over AI using Swift’s voice, she could argue that any similar-sounding use violates her trademark rights,” Gerben wrote in a blog post. He is not representing Swift in the matter.
Swift has previously been targeted by unauthorized digital content, including AI-generated explicit images that circulated widely online. During the lead-up to the 2024 United States presidential election, Donald Trump shared fabricated images falsely implying the singer had endorsed him.
Unlike copyright or state-level publicity rights, federal trademarks offer nationwide protection and allow cases to be pursued in federal courts, potentially acting as a stronger deterrent.
Swift follows other celebrities adopting similar strategies. In 2025, actor Matthew McConaughey secured trademarks for his signature phrase and audio clips, reflecting a broader shift in how public figures defend their identities in the AI era.