Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift, known for her catchy lyrics, relatable storytelling, and her ability to make her fans dance with her upbeat pop songs. One of her most popular tracks, “Shake It Off,” has a chorus that goes: “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate / Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off.” But did you know that Taylor Swift has a trademark on the phrase “this sick beat” too?

In 2014, Taylor Swift released her album “1989,” which marked her transition from country music to pop. One of the tracks on the album, “Shake It Off,” became an instant hit, and it featured the line “this sick beat” in the chorus. As it turned out, Taylor Swift had applied for a trademark on the phrase earlier that year, in order to use it on a range of merchandise including T-shirts, stickers, and bags.

The Process

The trademark application initially was rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The reason that the phrase was “merely descriptive” and did not qualify as a trademark. However, Taylor Swift’s legal team filed a response. Their argument, The phrase had gained a secondary meaning that was associated with her and her music. The team pointed out that the phrase had been used in a promotional video for the album. Mentioned over and over in several interviews and social media posts by Taylor Swift.

In the end, the USPTO approved Taylor Swift’s trademark application. Granting her the exclusive right to use the phrase “this sick beat” on her merchandise. While some may argue that the trademark is overly broad and restrictive, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to trademark phrases associated with them.

Example, Beyoncé has a trademark on the phrase “Beyhive,” which is used to refer to her fanbase, while Rihanna has a trademark on her own name for use in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, while it may seem strange that Taylor Swift has a trademark on the phrase “this sick beat,” it’s actually a smart business move. By securing the exclusive rights to use the phrase on her merchandise, she can capitalize on her brand and generate more revenue. And for her fans, it’s just another way to show their love and support for the pop superstar.

By Editor