Taylor Swift has filed applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to trademark her voice, as concerns grow over the misuse of artificial intelligence in replicating artists’ identities.
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According to filings, Swift submitted two sound recordings beginning with the phrase “Hey, it’s Taylor,” referencing her latest album The Life of a Showgirl, released earlier this month. A stage photograph of the singer was also included in the application.
The move mirrors similar efforts by Matthew McConaughey, who has sought trademark protection for his distinctive voice. His filings include audio clips of his iconic line from Dazed and Confused, “Alright, alright, alright!”
The filings, first identified by intellectual property attorney Josh Gerben, did not include detailed explanations. Swift’s representatives have not yet publicly commented.
The development comes amid rapid advancements in AI technology, which now allows realistic voice replication using only short audio samples. Artists and performers are increasingly raising concerns about unauthorized use of their voice and likeness by AI platforms.
Some US states have introduced legislation to curb such practices. Among them is the ELVIS Act, enacted in 2024, which offers broader protections against unauthorized digital impersonation.
Legal action in this area remains relatively limited, though Scarlett Johansson notably filed a lawsuit in 2023 against an AI app for allegedly using her likeness without consent in advertising.
Swift’s trademark move signals a growing push by high-profile artists to safeguard their digital identity as AI-generated content continues to expand.
