How do I get something copyrighted, like a name, for a band?

Answer 1

You wouldn't copyright it. Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

To protect a band name, you would apply for a trademark.

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

So, you'd be applying for a trademark for the name of the band in the field of entertainment services.

Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.

I listed some links where you can do some preliminary name checking. However, please be aware that this is merely scratching the surface of what's out there. Only comprehensive research will tell you if the name is truly available. But, these links are free & a great place to start, so I'd try them out first.

There are other sites that offer free searching capabilities in conjunction with their commercial services, so I'm not able to post those links due to the Yahoo! TOS. You'll also want to check domain names & yellow pages, so simply do a search for "free domain name search" and "national yellowpages" and the appropriate links will pop up.

To register a trademark, it would either be through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Contact the US Patton and Trademark office. It costs about $400. Or, cut a record, put your name on it and the sheet music and mail it to yourself. This lets a federal agency recognize you as the copyright holder (USPS). It still might be more risky then contancting the Sec of your state to register you or your local County Office to list you as a DBA (sole proprietorship). The latter would only protect you in your county, however but sets precidence.

Answer 3

@blues man is at the proper monitor, besides "production" isn't whilst copyright happens. It happens whilst that ingenious paintings of authorship is RECORDED in a tangible variety, similar to audio tape or pencil on paper. If no one ever wrote down the m