LOS ANGELES — Pop star Taylor Swift is facing a federal lawsuit from a Las Vegas performer who accuses Swift’s latest album title of infringement on her long-established brand built around the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
The complaint was filed by performer and writer Maren Wade in California federal court, accusing Swift and her record label of trademark infringement tied with the 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Wade said she has used “Confessions of a Showgirl” since 2014 across a Las Vegas Weekly column, stage performances and other media, and that the branding has grown into a recognizable identity within the entertainment space.
According to the lawsuit, Swift’s album title and marketing approach are similar enough to Wade’s trademarked phrase that they could confuse consumers and weaken Wade’s brand.
The filing also raises the concept of “reverse confusion,” arguing that Swift’s global reach could overshadow Wade’s work, making it appear as though the original showgirl brand is affiliated with or derived from Swift’s project.
Federal trademark officials had already flagged the similarity before the lawsuit, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office declining Swift’s attempt to register “The Life of a Showgirl” due to potential overlap with Wade’s existing trademark.
Wade is seeking monetary damages and a court order that would bar Swift from continuing to use the disputed title in connection with her album and related promotions.
Representatives for Swift and her label, Universal Music Group, have not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
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