I am a singer/songwriter, but someone else has my name. Can his manager legally make me change my name?

Question

I have a common name: Will Johnson. After recording my first CD, I found out there was another Will Johnson who also records music. Both of us are "independent" artists (as opposed to major label), but he has more albums than me and has toured more. His mananger told me that once someone uses a name professionally it is their property. Can this be so with such a common name? Its not like I am going by "Jimi Hendrix" or something like that. It seems like there's a difference. My fans are used to my name and don't want me to back down. Isn't it up to the consumer to make sure they've got the right artist? What's my best course of action (without a major legal battle)?

Answer 1

All you have to do is make your name different. for example Will E. Johnson and he can't make you change it. If his name is incorporated then you can't use it. Kareem Abdul Jabaar incorporated his name after a football player that played for Miami Dolphins named Karim Abdul Jabbar used his name thus forcing him to change it to Abdul Karim al Jabbar.

Answer 2

You don't have to legally change your name, but if there is already someone out there with your name registered in the Performing Artists Guild, I believe you have to choose another name to register under.

Example:
When Michael Caine first became an actor, he used the stage name "Michael Scott." He happened to be speaking to his agent in a telephone box in Leicester Square in London when he was informed that he had to change his name again because another actor was already using the name "Michael Scott."

Answer 3

No. There are a lot of people with the same name in entertainment and sports; that is your name and you can't be made to change it.

Answer 4

Add your middle initial and save the money of arguing this in court.

Answer 5

Don't be such a sissy, use a pseudonyme.