Taylor Swift is pursuing new legal protections for her voice and likeness as concerns grow over artificial intelligence being used to replicate public figures. The singer has submitted trademark applications to the United States Patent and Trademark Office covering selected audio recordings and a performance image.

(News article by Haifa Chairunisa)

The filings were made on Friday through her company, TAS Rights Management, which holds ownership of the materials. The step is intended to curb unauthorized use of her identity, particularly through deepfake technology that can convincingly imitate voices and appearances.

Among the materials included are two voice recordings tied to her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl. One promotes the album’s availability on Amazon Music, while the other urges listeners to save it in advance on Spotify. Swift is also seeking rights over a stage image depicting her in a sequined outfit with a pink guitar, a visual strongly associated with her performances.

The move follows a rise in AI-generated content that falsely depicts well-known figures. Swift has been among those targeted, with manipulated material circulating online, including fabricated endorsements and advertisements.

According to trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, the approach reflects an effort to expand legal tools available to public figures. Trademark filings could complement existing “right of publicity” protections, which have traditionally been used to guard against unauthorized commercial use of a person’s identity.

He noted that registering sound elements as trademarks is still relatively untested, as artists have historically relied on copyright law to secure their recordings. However, AI now allows the creation of imitative audio that does not directly copy original works, complicating enforcement.

The strategy mirrors a broader shift in how celebrities respond to AI risks. Actor Matthew McConaughey has also sought similar protections, signaling a growing effort to define ownership boundaries in the digital space. He has previously emphasized the importance of consent and proper attribution as key principles in managing identity in the age of AI.

Gerben added that protecting recognizable visual elements, including styling and stage presence, may strengthen legal claims against synthetic media designed to closely resemble real individuals.