Katy Perry Loses 16-Year Trademark Battle to Australian Designer Katie Perry
By Alexus Mosley
After nearly 17 years, the long-running trademark battle between pop star Katy Perry and an Australian fashion designer with the same name has officially come to an end. And in a surprising but decisive ruling, the court sided with the designer.
Australia’s High Court ruled that Sydney-based designer Katie Perry, now known as Katie Taylor, did not breach trademark laws and is allowed to continue selling clothing under her name. The court determined that her brand was not likely to cause confusion, regardless of the singer’s global fame.
The designer, who was born Katie Perry, first registered her business name in 2007, before she was aware of the pop star. She later filed for a trademark in 2008 for clothing, around the same time Katy Perry’s music career was beginning to take off with her breakout single “I Kissed a Girl.” Shortly after, the singer’s team began selling Katy Perry-branded merchandise, including clothing, which sparked tension between the two. The dispute officially began in 2009 when the singer opposed the designer’s trademark and issued cease-and-desist letters.
Years later, the designer took legal action, arguing that the sale of Katy Perry merchandise in Australia infringed on her trademark. In response, the singer filed a crossclaim, arguing that her established reputation should invalidate the designer’s trademark and that the similarity in names could mislead consumers. However, the court ultimately disagreed. It found that the designer had a legitimate right to operate under her own name and that her business was established independently, without intent to deceive.
The ruling reinforces an important idea in both business and pop culture. Fame alone does not automatically grant ownership, especially when another person is operating under their legal name.