Following the release of her album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, Taylor continues to demonstrate that intellectual property (IP) is not just a legal asset, it’s a keystone of brand power and control. Taylor has relentlessly protected her IP through several trade mark filings and reclaiming control over her master’s by re-recording her albums and branding them as ‘TAYLOR’S VERSION’. She has turned IP protection into both a business strategy and a form of artistic empowerment, but it doesn’t stop there.
Just days before announcing The Life of a Showgirl, her company, TAS Rights Management, LLC, filed a series of US trade mark applications including ‘THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL’, ‘TLOAS’, and ‘T.S’. These applications span a wide range of goods and services, from music and live entertainment to merchandise like jewellery, stationery, bags, and even fan clubs. It’s a clear indication that a larger rollout likely including a tour, extensive merchandise, and fan experiences is already in the works. By securing these marks early, Swift ensures she has full control over the commercialisation of her new era, while simultaneously safeguarding her brand from unauthorised use. This level of foresight highlights the strategic value of IP in the entertainment industry, not just for protection, but for monetisation and brand integrity.
This offers a timely reminder of how critical IP awareness is in any commercial venture. IP filings aren’t just a box to tick after launch, they’re part of the launch. Timing is everything as filing too early can tip off competitors, but filing too late can leave valuable assets exposed. Strategic trade mark control therefore allows artists to own their narrative, manage market timing, and prevent exposure and unauthorised use. For Taylor Swift, it’s not just about music, it’s about owning every piece of the story.
Click here to read our first article following the IP protection of Taylor Swift.
