Taylor Swift Doesn't Own The Number 13; California Clothing Company Sues Taylor Swift For Lucky 13 Merchandise

Taylor Swift is being sued for trademark infringement by a California apparel company. Taylor Swift, who belives in "Lucky 13" could see it turn on her.  A California clothing company claims Taylor Swift's merchandising infringes on their Lucky 13 trademark.This might take a bit out of Taylor Swift's net worth.


E! News reports that Lucky 13, a clothing company based out of Orange County, California, filed a federal lawsuit against Taylor Swift because she markets products using the phrase "Lucky 13" or the number "13."  


The Taylor Swift suit was filed in federal court in California by Blue Sphere, Inc., which does business as Lucky 13. Blue Sphere was formed in 1991.


The lawsuit cites Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" music video.They say Swift "has been photographed with permanent or temporary tattoos and markets herself as liking fast cars and dangerous men who drive them inappropriately." Lucky 13 says that "undeniably and squarely fits within the exact consumer demographic to whom Lucky 13 markets and sells its LUCKY 13 Goods." The company says that the country singer's marketing confuses the marketplace.


Taylor Swift's favorite number is 13, but apparently the number is owned by "Lucky 13."


Robert Kloetzly, who owns Lucky 13, says Swift used the phrase "Lucky 13" on t-shirts and other merchandise that she sells on her online store. Kloetzly wants her to stop. Lucky 13 has operated for 23 years and sells clothing, jewelry, grooming products, and motorcycle gear


The "Red" singer has talked about the significance of the number in her life. In 2009, she told MTV, "Basically whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it's a good thing."
The lawsuit says "Swift's conduct has been and will continue to be malicious, fraudulent, deliberate, willful, intentional, and in disregard of Plaintiffs' intellectual property rights." And that Swift "undeniably and squarely fits within the exact same consumer demographic" that Lucky 13 markets and sells to.


The lawsuit says Swift is an entrepreneurial genius who should should know better than to allegedly monopolize on the Lucky 13 brand.


The lawsuit continues "There can be no doubt that Swift - who has an extensive trademark portfolio and numerous business and licensing partners, and whose record label is even named the 'Big Machine' - knows, understands and substantially profits from her carefully cultivated and meticulously managed trademarks and brand, image, and other intellectual property."


The suit alleges trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and other charges. Lucky 13 wants injunctive relief, a portion of Taylor Swift's profits, and lost profits and damages to Lucky 13. The suit also wants Swift to shut down her online store and wants all the money she's made from T-Shirts.


Swift told MTV in 2009 that "I paint (it) on my hand before every show because 13 is my lucky number- for a lot of reasons. It's really weird. "I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first (number one) song had a 13-second intro. Every time I've won an award I've been seated in either the 13th seat, the 13th row, the 13th section or row M, which is the 13th letter (of the alphabet). Basically, whenever a 13 comes up in my life, it's a good thing." 

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Taylor Swift
lucky 13
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