According to Hollywood Reporter, author and singer Maren Wade filed a lawsuit against Taylor Swift in California Federal Court on 30/3. In the filing, Wade leveled multiple accusations against Swift and her record label, Universal Music Group, including trademark infringement, misleading naming, and unfair competition. She is seeking unspecified damages and has requested the court issue an injunction to prevent Taylor Swift from continuing to use the name The Life of a Showgirl.

Taylor Swift in a promotional photoshoot for her new album. *Photo: Instagram Taylor Swift*

Maren Wade participated in America's Got Talent in 2014. Subsequently, she began writing the "Confessions of a Showgirl" column for Las Vegas Weekly, detailing her experiences in the entertainment industry. Wade later expanded this content into a podcast and live shows, blending pop and jazz performances. To date, the name "Confessions of a Showgirl" is associated with various live shows, plays, television programs, and other ventures.

In 10/2025, Taylor Swift released her 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl", which Maren Wade claims has impacted her work. A passage from Wade's lawsuit states: "Within weeks, this trademark was affixed to numerous consumer goods, printed on labels, tags, and packaging, and used as an identifier across retail channels – all targeting the same customer base that the plaintiff spent years building."

In a statement, Maren Wade's lawyer, Jaymine Parkinnen, said: "A solo performer who has spent 12 years building a brand should not see it disappear simply because a more famous person appears."

Maren Wade poses next to a billboard for her show in 2023. *Photo: Instagram Maren Wade*

The lawsuit also states that last year, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) informed Taylor Swift's team that the new album title could potentially cause confusion with Maren Wade's brand. The USPTO noted that both names share the important phrase "of a Showgirl" and emphasized that they both target the entertainment sector, including music and stage shows. This could lead consumers to mistakenly believe there is a connection between the two parties. However, Swift's team continued to use the name without contacting Wade.

According to Hollywood Reporter, older names are typically prioritized over newer ones in trademark disputes. Taylor Swift currently faces two options: acquire the rights to Maren Wade's name or proceed to court. Additionally, Wade argues that her brand is being harmed, leading consumers to believe she has imitated Swift. In her filing, the author contends that if this situation continues, it will threaten her entire brand.

Taylor Swift and her record label have not yet commented on the matter. The news outlet reports that Swift possesses one of the largest trademark portfolios in the entertainment industry. She holds over 170 active or pending names, phrases, and identifying elements. Her global business operations are managed through TAS Rights Management, which specializes in brand management for merchandise and services, and Bravado, the unit responsible for producing the singer's products.

Taylor Swift, 37 years old, was once dubbed the "country music princess" of the American music scene. She debuted in 2006 and quickly achieved significant success. To date, she has received 14 Grammy Awards, 30 VMA trophies, and organized numerous international tours. In 2023, TIME named her Person of the Year. In early 3, Forbes reported her assets reached 2 billion USD after three years of becoming a billionaire. Her royalties and tours account for nearly 1 billion USD, her music catalog is valued at 900 million USD, and she holds approximately 100 million USD in real estate in the U.S.

By Phuong Thao (according to Hollywood Reporter, NBC News)