What's the rule for the copyright of a bandname?

Question

I was wondering if adding 'the' to a bandname makes it ok? For example, 'X' vs. 'The X'

Answer 1

Actually, that would be a trademark issue and not a copyright issue in respect to the name of your band.

The USPTO has this to say:

"Is the name of a band a trademark?

It depends on how it is used. A band name may function as a service mark for entertainment services in the nature of performances by a musical group if it is used to identify and distinguish the service of providing live performances (see TMEP §1301.02(b), or as a trademark for a series of musical recordings (see TMEP §1202.09(a))."

And adding words like THE, AND, BAND, GROUP, etc. are typically not enough to differentiate between commonly named bands.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

adding "the" to the name does not change it significantly enough .

btw : " X " were/are a fun band .