Story perspectives

Taylor Swift Files Trademarks to Combat AI Deepfakes

4/28/2026

Summary

Taylor Swift Blocks AI

Taylor Swift filed trademark applications on April 24 for “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” “Hey, it’s Taylor,” and a guitar image.
The filings aim to block AI misuse of her voice and likeness.
Experts say the marks could let Swift sue under right-of-publicity law if AI uses them.
Swift has faced deepfakes, including pornographic images and a fake endorsement by President Donald Trump in 2024.

Summary

Taylor Swift Blocks

X blocked searches for Taylor Swift after millions viewed explicit AI-generated images, prompting senators to introduce the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act in March 2025, which would make non-consensual deepfake distribution a federal offense.
YouTube now lets talent agencies submit deep-fake detections directly, speeding removal of unauthorized celebrity content.
Stars Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston have joined the “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign demanding consent for AI training.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Campbell v. Acuff-Rose that a commercial parody—2 Live Crew’s rap version of “Oh, Pretty Woman”—could qualify as fair use, establishing a four-factor test still cited today. That precedent underpins current debates over AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities such as Taylor Swift, prompting new legislation and platform restrictions.

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Taylor Swift Blocks AI

Taylor Swift filed trademark applications on April 24 for “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift,” “Hey, it’s Taylor,” and a guitar image.
The filings aim to block AI misuse of her voice and likeness.
Experts say the marks could let Swift sue under right-of-publicity law if AI uses them.
Swift has faced deepfakes, including pornographic images and a fake endorsement by President Donald Trump in 2024.

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