Updated 06:02 AM EDT, Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Taylor Swift Trademarks '1989' Album Songs' Lyrics 'This Sick Beat' & More

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Taylor Swift decided to apply for a legal trademark which involves several lyrics off her hit 2014 album "1989" . If granted, the use of phrases such as "This Sick Beat," "Party Like It's 1989" will be off limits, Digital Spy reported.

According to the listing on Justia, other phrases that the singer listed down are "Cause We Never Go Out Of Style," "Nice To Meet You, Where You Been?" and "Could Show You Incredible Things."

Because of the trademarks, these phrase will not be allowed to appear on the following: products, printed publication, stationery, stickers, clothing, bags, accessories, instruments, toiletries, kitchenware, furniture, Christmas items, retail services, entertainment services, digital media, any sort of marketing materials and merchandise and more, without Swift's permission.

Not only that, but those who took a closer look at the list could also note that Swift's name, initials and signature have also been trademarked, according to BBC.

News might only be appearing about it now, but Swift reportedly submitted the request on Oct. 24 and 25 last year, before "1989" even came out.

The writers from TIME, however, pointed out that despite reports claiming that the trademark was approved, Swift actually has yet to be granted exclusive rights to the "1989" lyrics. After a little digging, it was found out that she had merely applied to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If it pushes through, then nobody will get to use the phrases unless they were Swift-approved.

While some may consider it odd or even over the top, printing a singer's lyrics on merchandise or services that they are not officially tied to may affect their revenue. It's also important given that record sales have been steadily declining in recent years, according to BBC.

Christopher Sprigman, a professor from New York University Law School who specializes in trademark law, also told TIME that Swift had the right to try and get the phrases trademarked. In fact, almost any phrase or word can be trademarked so long as they aren't generic and not too descriptive.

"Arbitrary" words are a no-no, and Sprigman explained that that was how Apple managed to get its name trademarked. Apple as a fruit is not at all related to Apple as a computer brand, which passes the requirement and allowed the company to trademark the Apple brand.

Sprigman also complimented Swift for her decision to trademark her lyrics, saying, "the music industry isn't dying. The music industry is changing, and different revenue sources are coming to the fore, and one of them is merchandise."

"She's no dummy," he said. "This strategy for her makes quite a bit of sense."

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