Singer Katy Perry has successfully appealed a decision regarding her name, after being sued by an Australian designer who sells clothes under her birth name Katie Perry.
Three appeal judges on Friday overturned a court ruling last year that favored Katie Taylor over merchandise the pop star sold during a 2014 tour of Australia.
The judges said Perry used his name as a trademark five years before Taylor started his business, adding that by that time Perry had gained an “international reputation” in entertainment.
The judges also canceled Taylor's trademark registration on Friday.
Taylor had compared his legal battle with Perry to “David and Goliath.” She told the Sydney Morning Herald after Friday's ruling that she was “devastated” by the outcome of the case.
Appeal judges said it was “unfortunate” that the case was between two enterprising women who used their name as a brand without knowing the other existed.
“Both women have put their blood, sweat and tears into growing their businesses,” the judges said.
“As one’s fame grew internationally, the other became aware of its namesake and applied for a trademark,” they said.
The judge who ruled in favor of Taylor last year referenced one of Perry's biggest hits in his decision: “It's the story of two women, two teenage dreams and only one name.
Friday's decision comes as Perry prepares for her Lifetimes world tour in early 2025 in support of her comeback album 143.
