Pop star Katy Perry recently lost a trademark battle against Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor, who sells clothes under her maiden name, Katie Perry. The case revolved around the infringement of Taylor's trademark by Katy Perry's merchandise, which was sold during her 2014 Australian tour. Justice Brigitte Markovic ruled in favor of the designer, stating that the clothing items breached her trademark, which she had held since 2008.
Katie Taylor began selling clothes under the brand name "Katie Perry" in 2007 and registered it as a trademark in Australia the following year. Meanwhile, Katy Perry, born Katheryn Hudson, rose to fame in 2008 with her hit single "I Kissed a Girl." The singer changed her stage name to "Katy Perry" using her mother's maiden name to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson.
The judge ruled that Katy Perry used the name in "good faith" and does not owe any personal compensation to the designer. However, her company, Kitty Purry, must pay damages, the amount of which will be determined next month. Judge Markovic also dismissed a bid by the pop star to cancel the Katie Perry trademark.
Taylor described the outcome as a victory in a "David and Goliath" case, emphasizing the importance of standing up for small businesses in the face of powerful overseas entities. As of January 2023, Katy Perry's net worth is estimated to be around $330 million.
In a statement Katie Taylor said on her blog:
"This is a win for small business. We matter, Australian laws matter and most importantly in the face of a bully it is important to stand up for yourself. "
"My two young children have witnessed the importance of standing up for their values no matter how hard it is."
"Not only have I fought myself, but I fought for small businesses in this country, many of them started by women, who can find themselves up against overseas entities who have much more financial power than we do."
"WE DID IT - WE HAVE WON."
