Australian designer Katie Perry wins trademark case against popstar Katy Perry in High Court
ABC Australia1 day
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.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0