Katy Perry is attempting to block an Australian fashion designer from trade-marking her clothing range with the brand name Katie Perry.
The designer, who started her high-end Katie Perry loungewear label two years ago, apparently launched a trademark application in September 2008 and recently opened her first outlet in Sydney. But she was hit with a cease-and-desist order from representatives of the EMI-signed artist, in an attempt to halt the “similar name” being used in connection with the clothing label.
The Australian businesswoman was actually born Katie Jane Perry, but sometimes goes by the name Katie Howell.
In a statement issued today by EMI, the music major explains that a “routine notice letter was sent to Ms. Howell, as is customary in trademark practice, alerting her of Ms. Perry’s intended application” for trademark protection down under.
The American pop singer, whose real name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, has become a mainstream star in Australia, scoring a No. 1 hit last year on the ARIA singles chart with “I Kissed A Girl” and winning best newcomer at the MTV Australia Award in March. Her follow-up “Hot N Cold” reached No. 4 on the official Australian singles chart, and features as a soundtrack to Network Ten’s high-rating reality TV program “MasterChef”. She is booked to tour Australia this August, beginning Aug. 12 at the Tivoli in Brisbane.
