Taylor Swift’s lawyers have spoken out about “The Life of a Showgirl” lawsuit.
They called out the former Las Vegas showgirl who’s suing the pop star for trademark infringement, stating the trademark fight “should never have been filed.”
Lawsuit Against Swift
Maren Flagg sued Swift back in March, stating the pop star’s newest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” infringes upon her 2015 trademark of the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
Flagg states she used this phrase to build up her own brand, including her Las Vegas-based cabaret brand, performances, and other entertainment projects.
Flagg, known on stage as Maren Wade, is asking that Swift be immediately blocked from selling merchandise related to the phrase as the battle ensues in court.
This is because Flagg believes Swift’s use of the phrase could create consumer confusion and damage her brand.
She is seeking injunctive relief, damages, profits, and attorneys’ fees.
Response from Swift’s Lawyers
Swift’s lawyers fought back hard against Flagg and her lawsuit within a brief filed on Wednesday, May 6th.
Obtained by Variety, the brief states, “This motion, just like Maren Flagg’s lawsuit, should never have been filed. It is simply Ms. Flagg’s latest attempt to use Taylor Swift’s name and intellectual property to prop up her brand.”
It goes on to say that Flagg, comparing her cabaret show to Swift’s album, is “absurd.”
“[Flagg] performs, if at all, in small intimate venues, such as a: ’55+ active community,’ ’55+ golf resort’; ‘RV & Golf Resort’; ’90 seat cabaret-style venue’ that offers dinner; hotel; and private supper club. Her website lists no upcoming performances,” it reads.
Swift’s legal team also mentioned and accused Flagg of first attempting to associate herself with the new album before suing her just months later.
“Prior to the album announcement, plaintiff had never used ‘the life of a showgirl’ in her social media promotion. Following the announcement, plaintiff used the phrase or posted generally about Ms. Swift or the album over 40 times on her branded Instagram and TikTok accounts.”
Flagg’s Lawyer Responds
Flagg’s lawyer went to Billboard for a statement about the lawsuit. Jaymie Parkkinen stated he and Flagg planned to move forward with the lawsuit.
“We read it. Defendants assert First Amendment protection for napkins and hairbrushes. We look forward to filing our response next week,” he stated.
Parkkinen also submitted a statement to CBS News about the lawsuit in March, stating Flagg was never contacted about Swift using the “Life of a Showgirl” name.
Swift allegedly also tried to trademark the phrase with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but was denied due to its similarities to Flagg’s.
Parkkinen added, “She registered it. She earned it. We have great respect for Swift’s talent and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators on all levels can protect what they’ve built. That’s what this case is about.”