Pop Star Loses Again: Katy Perry Defeated in Long Trademark War
In 2007, Australian designer Katie Taylor registered her fashion business using her maiden name “Katie Perry.” She sold clothes at local markets, built a website and social media by 2008, and first heard singer Katy Perry on radio.
In 2009, lawyers for Katy Perry sent Taylor a legal notice demanding she stop using the brand name and warning they would oppose her trademark. The legal action was later quietly dropped without moving forward.
In 2014, Katy Perry sold branded jackets, hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatpants during her Australian tour. These merchandise sales conflicted with Taylor’s registered trademark and triggered a serious legal dispute between both sides.
In 2023, Katie Taylor sued Katy Perry and won the trademark case. The court ruled the 2014 tour merchandise breached trademark laws. Taylor said trademarks must protect businesses equally, no matter their size.
In 2024, an appeal court overturned Taylor’s win, saying Katy Perry used her name as a trademark 5 years before Taylor’s business started. Taylor’s trademark was cancelled, and she called it a “David vs Goliath” fight.
On Wednesday 2025, the High Court of Australia ruled in Taylor’s favor by majority. Judges said Katy Perry’s fame meant Australians wouldn’t confuse brands. Taylor called it a victory for small businesses and fairness.
