Pop superstar Katy Perry has successfully appealed a trademark ruling, securing the right to use her name in Australia. The legal battle, which pitted the internationally renowned singer against Australian fashion designer Katie Perry, has been closely watched by fans and legal experts alike.
Court Overturns Previous Ruling
On Friday, three appeals judges overturned a previous court decision that had favored Katie Perry, whose birth name is Katie Taylor.
The earlier ruling had found that the pop star’s merchandise sold during her 2014 tour of Australia infringed on the designer’s trademark. However, the appeals court noted that Katy Perry had been using her name as a trademark for five years before Taylor started her business, and by that time, Perry had already achieved an “international reputation” in entertainment.
A David and Goliath Battle
Katie Taylor, who has been selling clothes under the name Katie Perry, likened her legal struggle to a “David and Goliath” battle. “I am devastated by the outcome,” Taylor told the Sydney Morning Herald after the ruling. “This case has taken a huge toll on me and my family”, according to MSN.com.
Judges’ Remarks
The appeals judges expressed regret that the case involved two enterprising women who were unaware of each other’s existence when they began using their names as trademarks.
“Both women put blood, sweat, and tears into developing their businesses,” the judges said. “As the fame of one grew internationally, the other became aware of her namesake and filed a trademark application”.
Katy Perry’s Reaction
Katy Perry, whose real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, has not publicly commented on the ruling. The decision comes as she prepares for her Lifetimes world tour in early 2025 to support her comeback album 143.
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