Branding & Trade Marks Partner Dorothea Thompson was invited to comment on recent trade mark applications by Taylor Swift to protect her voice and likeness against unauthorised AI-generated content.
Dorothea’s comments were published by Complete Music Update on 28 April 2026. You can read the full article here.
“We are currently advising talent clients – both UK and US based – as to what extent their existing trade marks may be used against AI uses, and whether they should seek additional registrations for this purpose. Matthew McConaughey’s registrations have stimulated the conversation and we expect that to amplify following Taylor Swift’s new filings”.
She adds that “it’s worth noting that this application is so far untested and it will be interesting to see how far these rights can be stretched”.
However, she goes on, “trade mark registration remains relatively low cost – particularly in the UK – so it’s worth exploring for more established artists. And registration may also give talent leverage in AI licensing discussions. Following the recent deals licensing music for AI uses, we may also see licensing of ‘personality’ elements too, which could provide another passive income stream to artists.
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