Australian designer Katie Perry won a High Court case, concluding a trademark dispute with global singer Katy Perry after years of litigation. The court ruled they are in different businesses and do not cause consumer confusion.
International media reported that the long-running trademark dispute between the Australian designer and the global pop star was resolved today (11 Mar) when Australia’s High Court ruled that Katie Perry, the Australian designer, has the right to sell clothing under her brand name after years of legal battle with American superstar singer Katy Perry.
The case began when Katie Perry, the Australian clothing brand designer, filed a lawsuit against the famous singer for trademark infringement, stating she had been using "Katie Perry" as a trademark for her clothing line since 2008, before the singer rose to global fame.
However, singer Katy Perry argued that while the designer began her clothing business, her music career was already gaining worldwide popularity. She also sought to have the designer’s trademark rights revoked in Australia.
In 2024, Australia’s lower court ruled to cancel the trademark rights for the clothing brand, siding with the singer's claim.
Recently, Australia’s High Court overturned the lower court’s decision on appeal, ruling in favor of Australian designer Katie Perry. The court reasoned that the two businesses are clearly different, so there is no risk of consumer confusion between the clothing brand and the famous singer.
Source:France24