⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

Taylor Swift's Latest Trademark Filings Reveal a Shrewd Business Strategy The star stealthily filed trademark applications for certain lyrical stylings from her latest album, '1989.'

By Geoff Weiss

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Taylor Swift may not have been the first musician to utter the words "This sick beat," but if the shrewd superstar has her way, she could be the last.

Last October, days prior to the launch of her blockbuster album 1989, it turns out Swift stealthily filed trademarks for some of her catchier lyrical stylings, including "Nice to meet you. Where you been?," "Could show you incredible things" and "Cause we never go out of style."

The trademarks, which have not yet been granted, would apply to a dizzying array of product categories, from cosmetics to key chains to tote bags to temporary tattoos.

While other celebrities have attempted to copyright catchphrases in the past, such as Paris Hilton's legal wrangling with Hallmark over "That's hot," the Guardian reports that this is the first time an artist has attempted to trademark her own lyrics.

Related: Taylor Swift Tops the Charts With This Surprising 8-Second 'Single'

The filing likely points to a pre-emptive strike against third parties who would seek to profit off of Swift's songs as opposed to a forthcoming line of 1989-themed products, according to The Guardian. However, Swift does currently vend a "This Sick Beat' long-sleeved T-shirt on her online store.

Known for her cheer-along choruses, unparalleled album sales and impermeable image, a closer look into Swift's empire reveals a fiercely calculated business mind poised to crush any obstacles -- including hackers, naysayers and Kanye West -- on the path to global domination.

Last November, in a similarly self-protective move that shook the music industry, Swift pulled her catalogue from Spotify, saying she felt that the streaming service devalued her work's worth. At the time, Swift reiterated a rambling op-ed she'd penned for The Wall Street Journal in which she proclaimed herself "one of the few living souls in the music industry who still believes that the music industry is not dying…it's just coming alive."

Related: Taylor Swift Has High Hopes for the Future of Taylor Swift-Like Music

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Business News

Costco CFO Reveals Uncertain Fate of $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

CFO Richard Galanti reveals that the price will stay the same — but only "for a while."

Business News

The Most Unexpectedly Popular Side Hustle of the Decade Has Low Startup Costs and High Markups

A new report shows that vending machines are a popular investment — and the industry is set to grow up to $3 billion by 2031.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.