Taylor Swift Just Trademarked “This Sick Beat”

Hey, hey, hey! Just think: While you're dancing around and shaking off all the liars and dirty, dirty cheats of the world, you could be faced with a lawsuit for violating Taylor Swift's sick trademark. As of today, Swift has officially trademarked the "Shake It Off" phrase "this sick beat" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It's just one of many 1989-centric expressions she's claimed as her own under the eyes of the law. Others include: "Party Like It's 1989," "Nice to Meet You. Where You Been?," and "Cause we never go out of style." The trademarks apply to everything from paper products, bath soaps, apparel, and non-downloadable content. It seems silly, but considering how little profit music sales actually drive for artists, keeping a lock on merchandise is key. Beyoncé might soon have to trademark her name and any variation of it since crafty folks everywhere are using it for their own monetary gain. It's just another smart business move from the 25-year-old. Heed her (and the government's) warning before inscribing something on a T-shirt. She's got a blank space, baby, and she (or some lawyer) will not hesitate to write your name. (Vox)