Taylor Swift‘s legal team is pushing back on a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Maren Flagg, a Las Vegas entertainer, claiming the pop superstar’s latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” infringes upon her own brand. Flagg trademarked the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl” in 2015 and is asking the court to stop Swift from selling merchandise related to the phrase.
In response. Swift’s attorneys filed an opposition to the lawsuit, calling Flagg’s claims “absurd” while citing the First Amendment and noting the Vegas entertainer’s online behavior following the release of Swift’s album.
On May 6, Taylor Swift’s attorneys filed a brief opposing Maren Flagg’s lawsuit against the singer, in which the Las Vegas entertainer claimed trademark infringement, false designation, and unfair competition because of her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift’s side fired back, as reported by Variety, alleging that Flagg is taking advantage of Swift to “prop up her brand.” They added that Flagg comparing her cabaret show to Swift’s album was “absurd,” adding that it was highly unlikely that audiences would confuse the two entertainers. The attorneys threw shade at Flagg, saying that she “performs, if at all, in small intimate venues,” listing locations such as golf resorts, 55+ communities, cabarets, and hotels. “Her website lists no upcoming performances,” they added.
Overall, Swift’s attorneys say that Flagg’s claims are “meritless.”
The Singer’s Attorneys Question Maren Flagg’s Motive
Swift’s attorneys also questioned why Flagg, who professionally goes by the name Maren Wade, filed her lawsuit several months after the singer’s album release. “The Life of a Showgirl” was released in October 2025, and Flagg filed her lawsuit in late March 2026.
Furthermore, Swift’s counsel alleges that just days after the album’s release, Flagg “reframed her brand around the album,” posting social media content about Swift and her latest release and using it to promote her “little-known cabaret show.” “Plaintiff flooded her Instagram and TikTok pages with 40+ advertisements for her brand using Ms. Swift’s music, trademarks, and other intellectual property without permission,” the attorneys noted.
As an example, they said Flagg used Swift’s album cover and music track, even using the hashtags “#swifties,” “#ts12,” and “#thelifeofashowgirl,” among others. The attorneys implied that they may take legal action over the cabaret entertainer’s use of Swift’s images and music.
Taylor Swift’s Album Title Is Reportedly Protected
Despite the similarities between “The Life of a Showgirl” and Flagg’s brand “Confessions of a Showgirl,” Swift’s attorneys claim that the pop star’s album title is protected by the First Amendment, citing past cases with similar arguments.
They pointed out that “a plaintiff cannot establish infringement without showing the title (1) is either not artistically relevant to the underlying work; or (2) explicitly misleads as to the source or content of the work.” Moreover, they enumerated several works over the years, such as “Portrait of a Showgirl” and “Confessions of a Vegas Showgirl,” saying that Flagg didn’t launch a legal battle against any of those despite having a trademark for the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
Maren Flagg’s Legal Arguments
Shortly after filing the lawsuit, Flagg’s attorney spoke with Rolling Stone, saying that the Las Vegas entertainer built her brand around “Confessions of a Showgirl.” Flagg writes a column for Las Vegas Weekly using the phrase, and also has a podcast with the same title.
Her lawyer, Jaymie Parkkinen, shared that Flagg has owned the “Confessions of a Showgirl” trademark since 2015. As cited in her client’s lawsuit, Swift’s trademark application for “The Life of a Showgirl” was refused due to a “likelihood of confusion.”
“We have great respect for Swift’s talent and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators at all levels can protect what they’ve built. That’s what this case is about,” Parkkinen explained.
There’s ‘No Chance’ Taylor Swift Fans Will Confuse Merchandise
As part of the filing, Swift’s attorneys pointed out the singer’s observant and dedicated fans, citing their “legendary” attention to detail when it comes to any and all information about their idol. “There is no chance they would be confused between plaintiff’s cabaret shows and Ms. Swift’s album and related promotional merchandise,” they noted.
Flagg’s side has responded to the filing, confirming that they have read Swift’s response. “We read it. Defendants assert First Amendment protection for napkins and hairbrushes. We look forward to filing our response next week,” Parkkinen declared.
