Katy Perry wins legal battle over name use in Australia against designer Katie Perry

The long-standing legal dispute between pop superstar Katy Perry and Australian fashion designer Katie Taylor, who sells under the name Katie Perry , has been resolved in the singer's favor. On Friday, three judges overturned a 2023 decision that had sided with Taylor in a trademark infringement case . The ruling allows Katy Perry—whose birth name is Katheryn Hudson—to continue using her stage name to sell merchandise in Australia, despite Taylor's claim to the trademark. Trademark History and Ruling The court acknowledged that Katy Perry had been using her name as a trademark for music and merchandise well before Taylor began selling clothes under her birth name. The judges noted Perry’s “international reputation” in music and entertainment, ruling that she was entitled to use her stage name in Australia. The court also canceled Taylor’s trademark registration, citing evidence that Taylor had, at times, tried to associate her brand with the pop star. This, they said, increased the risk of consumer confusion. “This case is unfortunate in that two enterprising women adopted their name as a trademark, unaware of the other,” the judges wrote. They concluded that Taylor’s rejection of a 2009 offer to share rights to the name left no option but to cancel her trademark. “In that sense, (Taylor) has brought this result on herself,” the judges added. Reactions to the Ruling Taylor expressed disappointment with the outcome, telling The Guardian : “This case proves a trademark isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. My fashion label has been a dream of mine since I was 11 years old, and now that dream has been taken away.” Meanwhile, Katy Perry has yet to comment publicly on the victory. Katy Perry’s Career Update The ruling comes as Katy Perry continues her global tour supporting her latest album, 143 . While Perry remains a pop icon with hits like “California Gurls” and “Firework,” her new album, released in September, has faced criticism. Reviews have described 143 as a “spectacular flop” and a “failed attempt to rekindle her glory,” with controversy surrounding the music video for the single “Woman’s World.” Perry defended the video as satire but has not addressed the album's lukewarm reception directly. Despite mixed reviews, Perry plans to return to Australia next summer for shows across the country, marking her first performances there in years.