Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor, whose maiden name is Perry has fought back against the famous performer Katy Perry, for breaching the designer’s long held Australian trade mark rights.
These two have feuded in the past, when the Sydney-based designer alleged that the US singer “tried to bully” her to give up her KATIE PERRY mark in 2009. The singer was ultimately unsuccessful in opposing the mark – and it proceeded to registration.
Many of Katy Perry’s celebrity colleagues have been ridiculed in the media for their attempts to register trade marks including their children’s names, catch phrases and their own names. Just look at the Kardashians, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Taylor Swift, the British Royal family and even the President of the United States of America…
Given her global reach, perhaps Katy Perry should have gotten in a bit earlier and taken a leaf out of Tay Tay’s book? From Rihanna to the Beckhams, all you have to do is look and you shall find them on the Australian Trade Marks register:
The KATIE PERRY mark covers clothing and the rights date from September 2008. This means that the Australian designer has exclusive rights to the trade mark throughout Australia, in relation to clothing, for a renewable ten year period.
Unfortunately, the performer Katy Perry seems to think she is above Australian trade mark law and has been selling clothing under the brand KATY PERRY online and also through outlets such as Target and Myer in Australia.
Our girl has had enough – and has sued the American singer for trade mark infringement. Watch this space!!!
For expert assistance with trade mark applications or advice regarding trade mark enforcement, please contact Geraldine Rimmer geraldine@mbip.com.au.