How do I know if a band name is copyrighted?
Call the main public library in your region and ask if it has a Federal Trademark Register CD-ROM. Search for your full band name, then each word individually. Hire a search firm (relatively costly, but reliable). A well-known sources for trademark searches is Thomson Compumark.
Can a band have the same name as a company?
If they are used in interstate commerce, trademarks and service marks can be registered with the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks. Besides obtaining registration of a service mark, a band may also register its name as a trademark if it is associated with specific merchandise, such as record albums.
What if a band has the same name?
And trademark for similar band names… So, yes, similar band names happen, and they can cause sticky trademark issues. Therefore, it is helpful to be equipped with proper trademark registration to ensure your trademark ownership.
Who owns the rights to a band name?
Typically, the issue of who owns the band name is dealt with in the Band Agreement. Often a leaving member will forfeit their rights in the name when they leave the band. In such a situation, the remaining members can continue using the name.
Can I use an existing band name?
If someone is using your ideal band name and they haven’t trademarked it, you can still get the trademark for that name to use it for your band. Federal trademark protection goes to the person or entity that’s first to register it, not the first to use it.
How do I find out if an artist name is taken?
Search your rap name in the trademark database and see if it’s already taken
- Step 1: Visit the Search Trademark Database.
- Step 2: Scroll down and click the “Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS)” button.
- Step 3: Select the Basic Word Mark Search option:
- Step 4: Enter your rap name and press the “Submit Query” button.
How do you legally protect a band name?
Registering a Trademark for Your Band Name Trademarks are registered through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The two primary types of marks that can be registered are trademarks, which identify goods or services, and service marks, which are used exclusively to identify services.
Can two people have the same band name?
Two (or more) bands with the same name. But let’s face it: with millions of bands online, there’s actually a decent chance another active group has exactly the same name as you. And the likelihood two bands with the same name increases if you are managing or working with several artists.
Can two artists have the same name?
In the world of actors, for example, no two actors are allowed to have the same name as each other and both belong to SAG (the actors union). That’s why Samuel L. Jackson is Samuel L. Jackson, and not Sam Jackson or Samuel Jackson — those names were taken.
Are artist names copyrighted?
Firstly it’s important to note that trademarking your band or artist name is by no means compulsory. Unlike music copyright, which automatically assigns rights to the creator or owner of a piece of original work, trademarking doesn’t come about automatically. Instead – it’s something that you must register to do.
Can an artist and a band have the same name?
For obvious reasons, you should use an artist/band name that doesn’t already exist in streaming services. Having several artists with the same name just causes all kinds of confusion. Imagine if there were two Led Zeppelins, or two Dave Matthews (a common name no doubt). But sometimes this can’t be avoided.
Do musicians trademark their name?
Intellectual property rights give musicians and artists control over their artistic works (music, sculptures, photographs, etc…) as well as their name and brand. What is the Difference Between Copyright and Trademark?
Is a name trademarked or copyrighted?
A trademark represents your brand or product. Names, logos, and slogans are common trademarks. A copyright, on the other hand, protects a work of authorship, including books, paintings, and even computer code. To ensure intellectual property is protected, work with your attorney to obtain a federal registration.
Can you use someone else’s band name?
Musicians cannot use someone else’s trademarked name without first obtaining consent from other musicians. Furthermore, musicians may not be able to use band names that are likely to cause confusion with other band names or substantially similar to other names.
What do you do if someone steals your band name?
These are some of the basic principles to consider so your band name doesn’t conflict with another band or brand name, or if you feel that someone may be infringing on your trademark. All trademark registrations should be handled by an experienced attorney or a service like Indie Artist Resource.
How do you buy a copyright name?
Registering a trademark for a company name is pretty straightforward. Many businesses can file an application online in less than 90 minutes, without a lawyer’s help. The simplest way to register is on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Web site, www.uspto.gov.
How do I find out who owns the copyright of music?
If you have a copy of the music, examine the music for the copyright holder or publisher’s name. A. If the publisher or copyright holder is listed on the music, OR if you already know the publisher and need address information:
How do I join the band database?
Join the worlds largest database of bands. Simply Sign Up, search and protect your band name now. By signing up today you secure your band name in our blockchain. Join our community and be exposed to fans, managers, A&R people and music professionals from around the globe. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What are the circulars of the Copyright Office?
provide information on Copyright Basics (Circular 1), Registration for Works of the Visual Arts (Circular 40), and Musical Compositions and Sound Recordings (Circular 56a). In addition, the Copyright Office’s Compendium
What are intellectual property rights for musicians?
Intellectual property rights give musicians and artists control over their artistic works (music, sculptures, photographs, etc…) as well as their name and brand. What is the Difference Between Copyright and Trademark?