Anybody know about trademarks and copyrights on band names and logos? We are almost finished up with our CD and trying to tie up a couple of loose ends. What all is envolved with trademarking a logo and name?
jim simpson
Jun-08-2004, 6:44pm
"Rights in a group name, trademark or service mark are usually created by use and not by registration or any kind of filing or claim" This is out of The Musician's Business & Legal Guide. It goes on to say that you reserve the name by means of a federal "intent to use" trademark or service mark application. I assume that you have done a search to establish your name. I have noticed many repeat or similar names in Bluegrass Unlimited' yearly talent listing. I used to get contacted by various folks who had named their band the same as one I used to have registered. They would ask how long my group existed, etc. I thought having the name listed in the publication was one good way to establish rights to the name. You would want to save posters, handbills, etc. listing performances for a history of your group. The Musician's guide that I mentioned earlier is a good resource for much of the info that you seek.
Jim