Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses Poet's Taylor Swift Lawsuit, With Prejudice

7/8/2026

Summary

Taylor Swift Wins

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Poet Kimberly Marasco’s lawsuit against Taylor Swift with prejudice on July 6, 2026.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said Poet Kimberly Marasco failed to show protectable expression, Taylor Swift’s access, or substantial similarity, noting the claimed overlaps were unprotectable ideas, themes and generic words from Taylor Swift’s 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department.
Poet Kimberly Marasco, who represented herself, said she will appeal the decision.

Summary

Swift Marries Kelce

Taylor Swift married Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden on Friday, with Adam Sandler officiating the ceremony.
She filed three trademark applications in 2026 to protect her voice and image from artificial-intelligence misuse.
Trademark attorney Graeme Murray said the case illustrates how hard it is to claim copyright in short phrases.

Summary

Wade Sues Swift

In May 2026, Maren Wade sued Taylor Swift, alleging The Life of a Showgirl title confuses consumers with Confessions of a Showgirl show.
Wade’s complaint said Swift’s marketing drowned out her show and sought an order to block the title.
Swift’s lawyers moved to dismiss, calling the suit a stunt and noting claim lacks merit, while a 2022 copyright claim by poet Teresa La Dart against Swift was dropped in 2023.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the UK High Court forced the Verve to surrender 100 % of royalties on “Bitter Sweet Symphony” after ABKCO, run by Allen Klein, claimed the Rolling Stones composition rights. Later disputes involving Taylor Swift in the United States echo the Verve precedent, showing courts continue to prioritize publishing ownership over artists’ earnings.

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Taylor Swift Wins

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Poet Kimberly Marasco’s lawsuit against Taylor Swift with prejudice on July 6, 2026.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said Poet Kimberly Marasco failed to show protectable expression, Taylor Swift’s access, or substantial similarity, noting the claimed overlaps were unprotectable ideas, themes and generic words from Taylor Swift’s 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department.
Poet Kimberly Marasco, who represented herself, said she will appeal the decision.

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