Taylor Swift Sued Over ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ Trademark in Federal Lawsuit
Taylor Swift has been sued in federal court by a Nevada-based performer who claims a “showgirl” brand tied to the singer’s latest album infringes on her long-established trademark.
The case was filed on March 30 in federal court in Los Angeles and names Swift, TAS Rights Management, UMG Recordings, and Bravado International Group. The dispute centers on the use of the phrase “The Life of a Showgirl,” which the filing says is too close to the performer’s registered mark, “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
Maren Flagg, who performs as Maren Wade, says she has used the name “Confessions of a Showgirl” since 2014 for a column, live performances, and related media projects. The brand later expanded into a touring production and digital content. It was later registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for entertainment services.
Swift’s team later began using “The Life of a Showgirl” in 2025 as part of a commercial rollout tied to her 12th studio album, released in October. The phrase appeared as the album title and across a line of merchandise, including candles, drinkware, and apparel, as well as in product names, labels, and retail branding through an online shop. The filing treats that broader use across consumer goods as trademark use, not just artistic expression.
The shared wording and use in similar entertainment markets could lead consumers to believe the performer’s work is connected to or endorsed by Swift’s brand.
According to the complaint, when Swift’s team applied to register “The Life of a Showgirl,” the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office refused the application, finding it too similar to Flagg’s existing mark and likely to confuse consumers. The filing states the company continued using the phrase despite that refusal.
Trademark law evaluates whether consumers are likely to be confused about who is behind a product or service, a standard often called the likelihood of confusion. A name can serve as a trademark when it signals a single source, even across different types of goods. Judges consider how similar the marks are and whether they are used in related markets to decide if buyers might assume a connection.
The case also raises reverse confusion, which can occur when a larger company uses a similar name already used by a smaller creator. If the newer brand reaches a wider audience, consumers may begin to assume the original creator is affiliated with the larger company, rather than the other way around.
Flagg says the scale of Swift’s album release and merchandising reach has changed how her brand appears in search results and public discussion, making it harder for audiences to identify her as the original source of the “showgirl” name.
The lawsuit brings claims under federal trademark law for infringement and false designation of origin, along with a claim under California’s unfair competition statute, which prohibits business practices that mislead consumers or unfairly harm competitors. It seeks to block further use of the phrase and recover damages, profits tied to the alleged conduct, and attorneys’ fees.
