United States: Taylor Swift Sued Over Alleged Trademark Infringement for The Life of a Showgirl

Taylor Swift is facing a new lawsuit alleging trademark infringement over the title of her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, filed by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade.

The complaint, filed Monday in federal court, claims Swift used the album title despite its alleged similarity to Wade’s trademarked brand, Confessions of a Showgirl. Wade began using the title in 2014 for a column she wrote for Las Vegas Weekly, which featured anecdotes from her experiences in the entertainment industry. She later expanded the concept into a live show and a book under the same name.

According to the lawsuit, Wade obtained a registered trademark for Confessions of a Showgirl from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2015. The trademark later achieved “incontestable” status, granting Wade exclusive rights to use the mark following consistent use over several years.

The complaint further alleges that Swift applied to register The Life of a Showgirl as a trademark, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied the application, reportedly finding the title “confusingly similar” to Wade’s existing trademark. Despite the denial, Swift and her team allegedly continued using the title across commercial platforms and retail channels.

Wade claims she was never contacted regarding the use of the title and argues that Swift’s album undermines a personal brand she spent more than a decade building.

Wade’s attorney, Jaymie Parkkinen, said the case is about protecting creators’ rights regardless of their level of fame. “She registered it. She earned it,” Parkkinen said, adding that trademark law exists to protect creators at all levels.

The lawsuit argues that Confessions of a Showgirl and The Life of a Showgirl create a similar commercial impression, noting that both titles share a comparable structure and target overlapping audiences within the entertainment industry.

In addition to trademark infringement, the complaint accuses Swift, UMG Recordings, and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services, both affiliated with Universal Music Group, of unfair competition and false designation of origin.

Wade is seeking unspecified damages for alleged harm to her business, reputation, and goodwill. She is also requesting a court order preventing Swift from continuing to use the album title.

The lawsuit argues that Swift’s commercial success does not depend on the contested title, while Wade’s Confessions of a Showgirl brand represents the foundation of her professional identity.

Swift and the named defendants have not publicly responded to the lawsuit.