Taylor Swift Files Trademarks Amid Growing Celebrity Deepfake Scams on TikTok

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:27:00 +0200

Taylor Swift has filed three trademark applications to protect her image and voice, including a famous photograph from her Eras tour and two sound marks for the phrases “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift” and “Hey, it’s Taylor.” The filings come as AI-generated deepfakes increasingly appear on social media platforms. Researchers from AI detection company Copyleaks have identified TikTok ads using manipulated footage of celebrities, including Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna, to promote potentially fraudulent services. These deepfake videos depict the stars in realistic interview or talk show settings but encourage users to submit personal information under the guise of programs like “TikTok Pay.” While the full intent of the scammers is unclear, such tactics are consistent with widespread social media scams that harvest user data. The rise of these AI-manipulated ads highlights the reputational risks for celebrities, motivating Swift and others to legally safeguard their likenesses. This trend