Australian Designer Wins Landmark Trademark Battle Against Katy Perry

Sydney — In a legal saga spanning nearly two decades, Australian fashion designer Katie Perry (now Katie Taylor) has secured a decisive victory against global pop star Katy Perry in a trademark dispute. Australia’s High Court ruled on Wednesday that Taylor has the right to sell clothing under her own name, a win for the small business owner.

The Long Road to Resolution

The conflict began in 2009, shortly after Taylor launched her fashion line, “Katie Perry,” selling colorful and comfortable basics. As Katy Perry’s international fame surged with hits like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Hot N Cold,” her lawyers sent Taylor a cease and desist letter demanding she withdraw her trademark application, which had been filed months prior. Taylor described receiving the letter as a devastating moment, recalling finding it amongst champagne glasses after launching her showroom. CNN

Despite initial attempts at settlement, the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement. Taylor was ultimately granted the trademark for clothing, while Katy Perry amended her application to focus on music and entertainment. The Independent

A Twist in the Legal Battle

The case resurfaced in 2019 when Taylor sued Perry, alleging trademark infringement due to the sale of branded merchandise during Perry’s Australian tours. Taylor initially won in Federal Court, but that victory was overturned on appeal in 2024. The appeals court found Perry’s reputation in Australia was stronger and that selling merchandise at concerts was common practice, even suggesting Taylor’s trademark should be canceled. BBC News

High Court Reversal and Final Ruling

However, on Wednesday, the Australian High Court overturned the previous ruling, stating the cancellation of Taylor’s trademark was not warranted and that her leverage of the “Katie Perry” trademark was unlikely to deceive or cause confusion. ABC News Australia

“Standing Up for Your Values”

“Honestly, it kind of feels like a dream,” Taylor told CNN after the ruling. “I keep thinking, like, oh my god, has this actually happened?” She emphasized the importance of protecting small businesses through trademarks, stating, “So many people said to me, like, why don’t you just give up? It’s not worth it. I really believe in standing up for your values. Truth and justice are part of my core and my values.”

A spokesperson for Katy Perry stated that the singer “never sought to close down Ms. Taylor’s business or stop her selling clothes under the KATIE PERRY label.” However, some issues raised by Perry have been sent back to the Federal Court for further consideration. The Independent

Taylor is now looking forward to continuing her business, selling her garments at markets in Sydney “without this hanging over my head.”