Latest Updates on Taylor Swift’s Trademark Registration Applications for Re-recorded Albums
Understanding the Importance of Trademark Registration
What’s New with Taylor Swift’s Trademark Applications?
The Role of Trademark Registration Lawyers in Brand Protection
Trademark registration lawyers understand that trademark registrations are the cream on top of brand protection. You already have protection for your brand name if you have used it so that it has a reputation and significant goodwill. However, registering your brand provides added protection, as the rights obtained under “common law” are limited. Trademark registration law in the UK is based on the UK Trademark Act 1994, and the guidelines for the registration process are found under the Trade Marks Rules 2008 (as amended). Although the trademark registration system is very similar in the UK, this article relates to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and not the UK Trade Mark regime.
A Brief History of Taylor Swift's Trademark Registrations - Milestones in Taylor Swift’s Trademark Journey
Taylor Swift’s trademark registration lawyers have been busy. The original trademark TAYLOR SWIFT was registered on 06 July 2010. The first time the SWIFT mark was used in commerce was on 24-10-2006 -TAS Management LLC, IS the owner of a family of Tayor Swift related marks dating back to 2007 numbering three hundred. A full list of registered trademarks for Ms Swift until the end of 2024 can be found here.
Recent Trademark Applications: The Buzz Around Swift’s Re-recorded Albums
Ms Swift’s team’s latest application for an extension of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” and “Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)” has ignited speculation among Swifties that a re-release of Reputation followed by an imminent world tour may be on the horizon.
Taylor Swift's influence is undeniable. As per Wikipedia, she has released 11 original studio albums, four re-recorded albums, five EPs, and four live albums, accumulating sales of over 114 million globally by May 2021. She has over 500 million followers on Instagram, ranking her among the top 0.5 per cent of the most influential individuals worldwide.
Speculation Surrounding “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” and “Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)
Reputation (Taylor's Version) and Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) are both re-recorded albums by Taylor Swift. They form part of a series of re-recordings of Swift's albums and are expected to be released in 2025. Taylor Swift announced on a special episode of CBS news in August 2019 that she would re-record all her albums up to “Lover” after failing to acquire the rights to her music.
The application for an extension of time to file a Statement of Use has been granted by USPTO for the registrations of REPUTATION TAYLORS VERSION and TAYLOR SWIFT TAYLOR’S VERSION both were received by USPTO on 23 January 2025 in classes 009, 014, 016, 018, 021, 025, 026, 028, 035, and 041.
Trademark Registration Lawyer Explains Trademark Registration - Trademark Registration Solicitor
A trademark is a distinct word, symbol, or phrase identifying products from a specific source. The mark “(Taylor’s Version)” identifies songs from Taylor Swift/TAS Rights Management, LLC, distinguishing them from her previous record label. “Taylor’s Version” is her way of making a personal statement that it belongs to her.
A UK Trademark Registration Lawyer’s Insight into the U.S. Trademark Application Process - Steps Involved in Securing a Trademark Registration
Step 1: Application Submission - To initiate the trademark registration process, an application must be filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), accompanied by the appropriate fee. This application is then subjected to a preliminary review to verify that all basic filing criteria have been satisfied. Enthusiastic fans, particularly those attuned to the music scene, may speculate that a new album or single is forthcoming based on the application’s submission, generating excitement in the community.
Step 2: Examiner Assignment—The USPTO assigns the application to a designated examiner, a government employee responsible for ensuring it adheres to all legal standards required for trademark registration.
Step 3: Examination Process—If the application fails to meet any legal conditions, the examiner will issue an “office action,” official correspondence detailing the specific deficiencies observed in the application.
Step 4: Addressing the Office Action - The attorney responsible for the application will carefully review the office action, make necessary amendments, present arguments to counter any rejections, and respond to the examiner’s inquiries as needed. This iterative process may occur multiple times, particularly for complicated trademark cases, until all outstanding issues are addressed, leading to approval for publication. This process is relatively similar in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Step 5: Public Opposition Period - Once a trademark is endorsed, it is published in the USPTO’s weekly release, the Official Gazette. Members of the public who believe that the approval of the trademark may adversely affect them have a 30-day window to submit their objections to the USPTO.
Step 6: Registration Certificate or Notice of Allowance Issuance - If no opposition is submitted within the specified period, the USPTO will issue a registration certificate or a notice of allowance after 30 days.
- Registration certificates are granted to applications that demonstrate previous use of the trademark in commerce at the time of filing.
- Conversely, a notice of allowance is provided for applications based on the intent to use, indicating that the trademark is not yet in use but that the applicant possesses a genuine intent to utilise it in commerce in the future.
Current Status of Taylor Swift’s Trademark Registrations - What Do the Latest Applications Mean for Fans?
In short, the re-recorded music versions of Reputation and Taylor Swift are not registered trademarks. At this time, all that has happened is that the USPTO has extended the time in which Ms Swift’s legal team has to file a Statement of Use for both marks.
Can Trademark Applications Predict Album Releases or Tours? - Analysing the Strategy Behind Swift’s Trademark Registrations
I don’t believe that what Taylor Swift registers as a trademark is an effective way to predict album releases and tours. However, it is a great example of a clever strategy to safeguard and monetise your creative work. There can be no doubt that Taylor Swift is an exceptionally intelligent woman to have become a billionaire, a global powerhouse celebrity, and much more!
To obtain a quotation, please contact us at (020) 7305-7491 or at peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk. We would be delighted to assist you. Mr Peter Adediran is the owner and principal solicitor at PAIL® Solicitors. Subscribe to our newsletter to get blog post updates and other information about the firm straight to your inbox.
Meet The Team: Peter Adediran; Maya El Husseini; Gabrielle Felix; Poppy Harston