Taylor Swift opposes bedding brand's attempt to trademark 'Swift Home'
What's the story
Pop sensation Taylor Swift has filed an opposition to a bedding company's attempt to secure a US trademark for the phrase "Swift Home." Her legal team contended that the way Cathay Home has styled the word "Swift" in its branding closely resembles her trademarked cursive signature. This could mislead consumers into believing she had endorsed their products.
Legal stance
'False association' with the singer
Swift's legal team argued that the "Swift Home" mark creates a "false association" with the singer, potentially leading Cathay Home customers to believe she had backed their products. The filing stated this was done to leverage Swift's "goodwill and recognition" for the company's brand. Swift owns federal trademarks that protect her name and signature on goods such as bedding, clothes, and music-related products.
Trademark dispute
Cathay Home applied for 'Swift Home' trademark last year
Cathay Home, a New York-based company that sells products through major retailers, applied for the "Swift Home" trademark for its bedding items last year. In response to this application, Swift's company TAS Rights Management LLC filed an opposition with the US Patent and Trademark Office on Wednesday. The filing stated that Cathay Home's proposed trademark would cause consumer confusion due to its similarity to Swift's existing trademarks.
Trademark history
Swift has filed over 300 trademarks in the US
Swift has filed over 300 trademarks in the US and other jurisdictions, securing her name, initials, album titles, and some lyrics, per the BBC. Despite her extensive history with intellectual property disputes, trademark attorney Josh Gerben noted that Swift has filed relatively few trademark oppositions for a celebrity of her stature. He suggested that the similarity between Cathay Home's logo and Swift's signature may have prompted this action.