Taylor Swift's latest trademark application has run into a temporary roadblock, raising questions about how it could affect her merchandise and future tour plans.
The singer's company, TAS Rights Management, LLC, sought to register the name of her 12th album,The Life of a Showgirl. However, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has put the filing on hold. This does not reject the application but pauses it while officials review two earlier marks that could legally conflict.
One is a registered trademark called Confessions of a Showgirl, and the other is a pending application simply for Showgirl.
The delay means that Swift's team cannot yet fully secure the name for merchandise, promotional items, or tour branding.
USA Todayreported that the first mark, Confessions of a Showgirl, was filed in May 2014 by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade and officially registered in August 2015.
Wade's trademark covers live performances, theatrical productions, television shows, and online content, including blogs and e-zines. It is based on her cabaret production, which draws from her personal experiences as a modern showgirl in Las Vegas.
Because both titles contain the phrase 'of a showgirl,' the USPTO flagged a potential 'likelihood of confusion.' This legal term refers to the chance that consumers might mistakenly believe the two brands are linked.
A second potential conflict comes from Harlem Brands Inc., which filed in December 2024 to trademark Showgirl as a perfume brand. That application has already progressed and received a Notice of Allowance, meaning it must now prove commercial use before final registration.
Because this filing predates Swift's, the USPTO must resolve it before moving forward with The Life of a Showgirl.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, founder of Gerben IP, explained that delays like this are common. Around 20% of trademark applications encounter a 'likelihood-of-confusion' issue, which can be addressed with legal arguments, clarifications of goods and services, or consent agreements with existing trademark owners.
Source: International Business Times UK
