Congressman troubled by Taylor Swift's attempt to copyright '1989'; CNN, 12/14/15

Deena Zaru, CNN; Congressman troubled by Taylor Swift's attempt to copyright '1989' :

"Rep. Justin Amash and pop star Taylor Swift may not quite have bad blood just yet, but efforts by the musician to trademark certain common words, phrases and dates might have him seeing red.

The Michigan Republican's sour note followed reports that Taylor Swift's rights-management company has filed for trademark requests on use of -- among other words -- the number "1989," which is the year of her birth and the name of her fifth studio release."

Taylor Swift makes 'Swiftmas' trademark bid; BBC News, 12/11/15

BBC News; Taylor Swift makes 'Swiftmas' trademark bid:

"Taylor Swift is seeking to trademark the word "Swiftmas" and "1989", the name of her album, in the US.

It is the 25-year-old's latest attempt to stop others from using phrases associated with her on merchandise.

"Swiftmas" is the word the singer's fans use to describe the random acts of kindness she makes, such as giving them unexpected presents.

Earlier this year Swift applied to trademark some of her song lyrics such as "this sick beat".

The pop star submitted her requests to the US Patent and Trademark Office on 3 December."