In an ongoing trademark dispute that began over a decade ago, Australian fashion designer Katie Perry is taking on international pop sensation Katy Perry in a controversial case that has captured the attention of both legal experts and the fashion industry. The conflict, which highlights the complexities of brand identity in the age of celebrity, is currently before Australia’s High Court.
Katie Perry vs. Katy Perry: Australian Legal Battle Over Trademark Rights

Katie Perry vs. Katy Perry: Australian Legal Battle Over Trademark Rights
A legal clash between an Australian designer and a global pop icon raises significant questions regarding trademark protection and celebrity branding.
The saga commenced in 2009 when the American singer, known for her chart-topping hits such as "I Kissed a Girl," rose to fame. Katie Perry, the designer behind a fashion label bearing her name, claims that the pop star has infringed upon her longstanding trademark rights. After years of legal back-and-forth, including a victory for the designer in 2023, a subsequent appeals court ruling reversed that decision, prompting the designer to bring the matter to the nation's highest court.
In her claim, Katie Perry argues that she had attempted to negotiate with the pop star's management team to secure the rights to use their similar names but was ultimately left out of meaningful discussions. Katy Perry's representatives maintain that an offer was made, a statement that is disputed by the designer.
The stakes are high not only for the two women involved but also for Australian businesses at large. Legal experts warn that the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent that might impact local brands' ability to protect their reputations against global influences.
“This is a tale of two women, two teenage dreams and one name,” remarked an Australian judge during earlier hearings. As the High Court prepares to rule on the matter soon, industry watchers await a decision that could reshape the landscape of trademark law and brand protection in Australia.
In her claim, Katie Perry argues that she had attempted to negotiate with the pop star's management team to secure the rights to use their similar names but was ultimately left out of meaningful discussions. Katy Perry's representatives maintain that an offer was made, a statement that is disputed by the designer.
The stakes are high not only for the two women involved but also for Australian businesses at large. Legal experts warn that the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent that might impact local brands' ability to protect their reputations against global influences.
“This is a tale of two women, two teenage dreams and one name,” remarked an Australian judge during earlier hearings. As the High Court prepares to rule on the matter soon, industry watchers await a decision that could reshape the landscape of trademark law and brand protection in Australia.