Australian Designer Katie Jane Taylor Wins Lawsuit Against Katy Perry for Trademark Infringement
Katie Jane Taylor, an Australian fashion designer, has won a long-standing legal battle against pop artist Katy Perry over the use of the name “Katie Perry.” The case has been going on since 2009, when Perry initially opposed the Australian registration of the Katie Perry trademark. However, she eventually withdrew her opposition, and the mark was registered.
Who is Katie Jane Taylor?
Katie Jane Taylor, formerly known as Katie Perry, is an Australian fashion designer of English descent who started her own clothing line under the Katie Perry brand in 2007. Before starting her own business, Taylor worked as a stylist, manager, and buyer for various labels and stores in London and Sydney. Her brand began at Sydney’s Paddington Markets and has grown in popularity since then.
Trademark Fight
The legal battle started in June 2009 when Taylor, who designs and markets clothing under the name Katie Perry, filed a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement against the pop artist. The lawsuit has been ongoing for several years, with both sides disputing who should receive the rights and financial gain from the homophone moniker.
Court Judgement
The Federal Court of Australia’s case concluded in 2019, and the judge announced the verdict in favor of Taylor. Justice Brigitte Markovic began a lengthy written judgment by stating, “This is a tale of two women, two teenage dreams, and one name.” The judge determined that Perry had violated Twitter before her 2014 Prism tour of Australia but due to her “good faith” use of the Katy Perry trademark, she was not obligated to pay the designer any money.
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Only Perry’s business, Kitty Purry, is now responsible for any damages due to the items being purchased during the tour, in pop-up shops, and on the Bravado website. Further allegations that the mark was violated by apparel sold at Target, Myer, and online retailers including Amazon and eBay during the Prism Tour or before the Witness Tour, which visited Australia in 2018, were denied by Justice Markovic. The Federal Court also rejected the pop star’s and her firms’ request to have the Katie Perry trademark canceled.
Reaction to the Verdict
Taylor expressed her joy at the verdict, saying that she would “have a champagne” to celebrate the victory in court. She described the case as involving defending small businesses, an Australian law, as well as justice and the truth. However, the protracted court procedure was made worse by internet harassment and abuse, including alleged death threats conveyed to her and her family by Perry’s followers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legal battle between Katie Jane Taylor and Katy Perry has been ongoing for over a decade, with the former prevailing in court against the pop superstar. The Federal Court of Australia has ruled in favor of Taylor, stating that she is the rightful owner of the trademark for the name “Katie Perry.” While the legal battle may have been a stressful and emotional experience for Taylor, the verdict has brought justice and vindication for her years of hard work and dedication to her brand.
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