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Australia’s High Court Backs Designer in ‘Katie Perry’ Trademark Fight With Pop Star

The ruling clarifies how Australian trademark law treats identical personal names where celebrity merchandising overlaps a prior clothing mark.

Overview

  • The High Court overturned an appellate decision that had canceled the Australian designer’s mark, finding the cancellation unjustified and confusion unlikely.
  • The decision restores Katie Taylor’s right to sell clothing in Australia under her maiden name, “Katie Perry.”
  • The judgment resolves conflicting outcomes after a Federal Court win for the designer was reversed on appeal in 2024.
  • The dispute stems from a 2008 clothing trademark, a 2009 cease‑and‑desist from the singer’s team, and allegations tied to tour merchandise sold in Australia in 2014.
  • Taylor said she can now return to business in Sydney, while a representative for Katy Perry said the singer never attempted to close the designer’s company.