Dive Brief:
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Blue Sphere, Inc., the owner of retail enterprise Lucky 13 that has sold apparel and other products since 1991, filed a lawsuit May 13 against pop-country star Taylor Swift over her clothes and other items that sport the words “Lucky 13.”
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Swift has long said that 13 is her lucky number; her birthday is December 13 and she says 13 has boded well for her in other ways too.
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The suit, filed federal court in California, alleges trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and other infractions, and asks for an injunction against Swift using “Lucky 13” and, of course, money damages.
Dive Insight:
While Blue Sphere has used “Lucky 13” since singer-songwriter Taylor Swift was a toddler, that’s no guarantee that they have a good case. The star has yet to answer the suit, but her fans, known as “Swifties,” are livid.
Even if Blue Sphere wins, it’s unlikely they could ever get an injunction against the Swifties who seem poised to keep the phrase in the pop star’s own sphere. If the retailer wins, maybe the damages will be worth it, but it's unclear whether taking on a beloved star over an issue like this is a smart move, win or lose.