At Starlight & Sage Co., we celebrate the magic of Taylor-inspired moments. You’ve probably noticed, though, that while we tip our hats to subtle references, we steer clear of trademarked words—like "Swiftie." It’s not because we don’t love our fandom (we obviously do), but because respecting intellectual property is part of our commitment to doing business ethically, sustainably, and creatively.
So, let’s break it down—no lawyer speak, we promise (mostly because we're not lawyers). Here’s your crash course in trademarks, copyright, and the right of publicity (aka why you won’t find the word “Swiftie” on our designs).
Disclaimer: We’re not lawyers, and this post is for informational purposes only. We're always learning, so we'll add or amend information as we navigate the IP realm with the best intentions. For legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney.
Trademarks: Protecting Brands and Recognizability
A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes a brand. Think of Nike’s swoosh, Google's logo, or—yes—“Swiftie.” These trademarks help companies (and artists) maintain ownership over their brand identity.
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Why It Matters: Using trademarked words or designs without permission can cause confusion, implying that products are officially associated with or endorsed by the trademark owner.
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SSCo Example: The term “Swiftie” is trademarked, which means we can’t use it on products like jewelry, candles, or accessories without legal permission. We regularly monitor the USPTO database to keep our side of the street clean.
Copyright: Protecting Creative Works
Copyright protects creative works like books, songs, movies, and artwork. Taylor’s lyrics, album titles, and music videos all fall under copyright protection.
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Why It Matters: Reproducing or selling products with copyrighted material without permission infringes on her copyrights.
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SSCo Example: While (non-trademarked) titles and generic phrases that appear in Taylor's songs are generally acceptable, we do our best to lean into the subtleties and avoid plagiarism at all costs.
Right of Publicity: Protecting Names and Likeness
The right of publicity ensures that individuals have control over the commercial use of their name, image, voice, and likeness.
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Why It Matters: Using someone’s name or image without permission to sell a product can violate their right of publicity.
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SSCo Example: We don't sell things with Taylor’s face or name, because it’s her identity, and we can all agree that she deserves the utmost respect.
Inspiration, Not Imitation
Taylor's unparalleled ability to pen Shakespeare-level lyrics continues to simultaneously pierce and heal the heart of our generation. Her legacy is echoed by artists everywhere - jumping mediums and cultures. She has managed to foster a world wherein pure creativity blooms evergreen.
Our designs aim to pay homage to Taylor, her expanding legacy, and the beautiful soundtrack she has composed for our lives. Our goal is to create pieces that feel personal and timeless. We do our best to lean into that "if you know, you know" feeling, without stepping on anyone's toes.
From one Swiftie to another, thank you, eternally, for being here ✿