Taylor Swift’s ‘Showgirl’ trademark bid delayed by existing marks

A federal trademark tied to Taylor Swift’s latest era has hit a temporary roadblock.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has suspended a trademark application filed by Swift’s company, TAS Rights Management, which seeks to register the phrase “The Life of a Showgirl.”

The suspension does not mean the application has been rejected. Instead, the USPTO placed the filing on hold because two earlier marks could potentially create legal conflicts: an existing trademark titled “Confessions of a Showgirl” and a separate pending application for “Showgirl.”

In May 2014, Maren Wade, a Las Vegas performer, filed a federal trademark application for “Confessions of a Showgirl.” 

The mark was registered with the USPTO on August 25, 2015, granting Wade federal protection for the phrase in connection with entertainment services.

According to USPTO records, the trademark covers live stage performances, theatrical productions, television programming and online publications such as blogs and e-zines. 

The title is linked to Wade’s cabaret production inspired by her Las Vegas Weekly column, which recounts the experiences of a modern showgirl working in the entertainment capital.

Because both titles revolve around the phrase “of a showgirl,” the USPTO determined there could be a “likelihood of confusion,” the legal standard used to assess whether consumers might believe the brands come from the same source.

Separately, in December 2024, Harlem Brands Inc. applied to register “Showgirl” as a fragrance brand covering perfume and related products. 

The application has already received a Notice of Allowance, meaning the company must now submit proof that the brand is being used in commerce before the trademark can be finalized.