An Australian fashion designer, Katie Perry, has secured a major legal victory in her long-running trademark dispute with American pop star Katy Perry.
On Wednesday, the High Court of Australia ruled that the designer — whose legal name is now Katie Taylor — can retain the trademark for her fashion label.
In its decision, the court found that the clothing brand had not harmed the singer’s reputation nor created confusion among consumers regarding its association with the global pop star. The judges further noted that due to the singer’s strong public profile, “no ordinary person in Australia after a moment’s reflection” would assume the ‘Katie Perry’ clothing line was connected to the musician.
The case revolved around the ‘Katie Perry’ fashion label, which the designer established in April 2007 while still using her maiden name. She later changed her surname to Taylor in 2015.
According to court records, she began selling her designs at local markets and online in September 2008 after registering the business name and applying for a trademark. Around the same time, the pop star’s career was rapidly taking off following the release of her breakout single I Kissed a Girl.
Later in October 2008, when the singer — born Katheryn Hudson — visited Australia for the first time, her team launched an online store offering ‘Katy Perry’ branded merchandise globally.
The dispute intensified years later when Taylor sued the singer in 2024, accusing her of selling branded merchandise during an Australian tour. An earlier ruling had cancelled the designer’s trademark, but the latest decision from the High Court overturned that outcome.
Reacting after the judgment, Taylor described the legal fight as exhausting but worthwhile.
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“This has been an incredibly long and difficult journey. But today confirms what I always believed — that trademarks should protect businesses of all sizes,” she said.
Prompt News reports despite the ruling, the matter may not be completely settled. A representative for the singer said certain issues raised by the pop star have been sent back to the Federal Court of Australia for further review, indicating that additional legal discussions could still follow.
