Designer Katie Perry Wins Trademark Battle vs Katy Perry
Did Katy Perry infringe on a small business trademark or was the designer exploiting her fame?
Above: Katy Perry performs at Unipol Arena in Bologna on Nov. 2, 2025. Image credit: Sergione Infuso/Corbis/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The singer established her reputation in Australia before the designer's clothing brand existed and offered a reasonable coexistence agreement in 2019. Instead of accepting, the designer waited 10 years to litigate, wasting court resources over a dispute that never required legal action.
Narrative B
Small businesses deserve trademark protection against celebrity encroachment. Katie Perry registered her brand in 2007 and operated for a decade without confusion, yet faced aggressive cease and desist letters from a pop star who knew about the existing trademark but sold merchandise anyway. The ruling is a victory for justice.