Katy Perry Is Being Sued By A Fashion Designer Named Katie Perry

Katy Perry is being sued by, umm… Katie Perry.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian fashion designer named Katie Jane Taylor, who sells apparel under her maiden name Katie Perry, is suing the “Smile” singer for alleged trademark infringement for selling clothing bearing her stage name.

Per the outlet, Taylor launched Federal Court proceedings against the pop star in October 2019 for selling “Katy Perry” merchandise in Australia ranging from pajamas to (faux) kitten ears.

In the suit, Taylor claims the 36-year-old and the related company, Killer Queen LLC, infringed her trademark, Katie Perry (which she registered in Australia in 2008), by selling items with a name that is “substantially identical with, or deceptively similar to” her trademark.

In Thursday’s (November 12) pre-trial hearing, Taylor’s barrister, Richard Cobden, SC, acknowledged that while artists’ merch usually covers “a broad range of goods,” Cobden argued that Perry’s items were within the scope of the infringement claim, including a Katy Perry pizza-themed necklaces, pajamas, and a pencil case. “We allege infringement across a wide range of goods,” said Cobden, noting that while Perry “will not be giving evidence herself” and “we won’t have a live witness to cross-examine,” it will not impede the case for his client.

Opposingly, lawyers for the American musician—who took on the name Katy Perry in 2004 using “the short form of her own first name and her mother’s maiden name”—admitted the Katy Perry brand is “deceptively similar” to Taylor’s trademark, but denied allegations of infringement, arguing the performer used her name in good faith.

Moreover, Perry’s attorneys have filed a cross-claim that Taylor’s trademark is liable to be canceled because the “Swish Swish” songbird had already been popular in Australia before "Katie Perry" was registered. They claim that Taylor’s trademark is “contrary to law” and could amount to misleading or deceptive conduct to consumers who may think their brands are associated.

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