How to check if a band name is copyrighted free Distrokid offers to split artists, it's very easy on spotify, a bit longer for other platforms. If you know about more ways to check copyrighted videos, feel free to mention them in our comment section. Check the public domain, 2. A trademark? But Apr 24, 2024 · The brand claimed the restaurant's name and logo were too similar to its own. Trademark your band name. The correct legal protection is a trademark. While Joey Bada$$ uses dollar symbols as characters in his name. ; Author: Search for the song’s writer, composer, or lyricist. So you notice that marianstrench. Creative Commons licenses are a set of licenses that creators can apply to their works to specify how others can use them. Snatch it up, and run with it if you like the name. Other good places to look include BMI and ASCAP. Two adjectives to describe it (e. Hopefully, this article turns out to be helpful for you. Trademarks distinguish the source of the Our online service will check music licenses in less than 1 sec. Here are some benefits of a great band name: Domain name check. There have been a number of legal disputes over the use of the band’s name after the band has broken up or when band members leave the band. Instead of buying tickets to your gig, they may mistakenly buy tickets to the other band’s concert. Public Domain Music: Not Always Free Public domain music sounds like a free-for-all, but there’s a catch. S Most importantly, your band name should be memorable—so make sure that the name you choose is easy for people to spell, pronounce and remember. Feb 8, 2022 · When you're building traction for your music, it's important that you think about protecting your brand. There are five levels of trademark strength: Fanciful (Coined): A band name invented to function as a trademark without outside meaning. If you have a moment, participate in our band name discussion or play one of our band name games. When a name is submitted to this Office, it is examined for any matches with already established names. These licenses allow creators to retain some rights while permitting others to use their work under certain conditions. Mar 14, 2024 · All songs are naturally copyright protected by the nature of how copyrights work. How you complete the application depends on whether you have a partnership name. At this point, the decision seems easy. Band names are protectable under trademark law, because like “brand names” they allow us to distinguish one band’s music and identity from another. Registration is free, and they don't send spam or marketing emails. Oct 22, 2024 · 3. Another example, Coldplay 'stole' * the name from another band. Jan 18, 2025 · You can either have a separate name for the partnership or not. Band names. On the other hand, movie posters do not fall into the same category as they were usually copyrighted. Drawing upon our 185 years of combined ASCAP and BMI expertise in managing complex and dynamic copyright data, we have built a convenient new digital tool for anyone who licenses music. A professional photographer named Sarah needed to check copyright status for vintage photographs she planned to use in an art installation. Name - For personal names, type last name first name: Hillerman Tony - For corporate names, type in order: Sony Music Entertainment; Walt Disney Company For Claimant names, go to Other Search Options and select "Name: Claimant (KLCN)" from the Search by box. As a band's business is "providing entertainment services", a servicemark is the proper tool to protect a band name. To register your band name please click on the flag of your country and then sign up on the appearing musicians network. When you trademark a band name, you protect your brand identity and prevent others from using the name without your permission. Be sure to check for similar names and misspellings. The Trademark Check allows you to check whether your favorite names have already been trademarked by someone else. Bandnameprotection. Therefore, they don’t qualify for the copyright terms and conditions. Jan 1, 2024 · Many people believe that copyrights apply to band names. Sep 15, 2022 · It may for instance happen that another band performs under the same name as you do, causing misunderstandings among your fans. there's a band on there called the virgins, but they are unsigned, they have a few members but each's role says "unspecified" so my band should be able to use that, right? also, if a band name is ta Nov 18, 2024 · This article provides essential tips for music creators on how to check if a song is copyrighted. io/ That website has some of the best royalty-free music I've ever heard. Both can do a search of their rosters for conflicting names. The application process can be complex, so attention to detail is paramount. Even if you find a song with a license like that, you better make sure they are the actual copyright holder of said song. To copyright a band name and music, send songs and an album to the copyright Dec 19, 2024 · Key points to check when researching copyright status: Creation date; Publication history; Country where the work originated; Current copyright registrations; Public domain status; A Real-World Example. London, Liverpool, New York) A singular noun (e. Another consideration to be taken in registering an artist or band name is to check if the name does not resemble a prior-filed application or prior registration. They’re online now. YouTube creator studio has recently got a new feature that allows creators to check their videos for copyright issues BEFORE the video is published. Aug 15, 2024 · If a person has a name of their band selected or a name for their start-up company, he or she will have to check with the U. One-word names have the advantage of being short, punchy, and easy to remember. Learn about common mistakes to avoid and troubleshooting advice to navigate copyright issues confidently. 89 per song (or less) + royalties. Conduct a Trademark Search. Search our online copyright records by choosing from an option below. heart, guitar, drum kit) A plural noun (e. Arbitrary: A band name with a common meaning but not one associated with music. Jul 29, 2022 · × Avvo Rating. How cool is that! Here’s a quick tutorial how you can quickly any music for copyright. In such a case, trademarking the band’s name will prevent you from encountering such situations. am uses spacing to format the letters in his name. Global Dossier. Instructions for checking copyrighted music on YouTube with Content ID: Step 1: Upload video: Go to Youtube Studio ⮕ Overview ⮕ “Upload video” (select video from computer/phone to start uploading process) 3 days ago · Check application status. Check patent application status with Patent Center. If a song is in the public domain (more on that later), you’ll be able to check on the website Aug 30, 2020 · Once you have chosen a few possible names, check to see if anyone else is using it by searching The Band Name Registry. Jan 10, 2024 · If the song is copyrighted, you’ll see a red exclamation mark near the Checks section; When you click Check, you’ll see the copyright details; To learn more about music for YouTube, check out our post on how to find music for YouTube videos. However, when you register your copyright, you get a certificate of registration that you can use in court as evidence that you own the protected work. They had an agreement that they could both use the name, but the other band (which had a trademark) decided to terminate the agreement when my band was picking up some steam. Hire a private copyright lawyer Nov 12, 2024 · So, it’s best to check if the information you leverage can get you into trouble. Find your perfect band name today! Dec 29, 2020 · Let me explain. It is very unlikely you will find a free version that's as good as commercial quality. uspto. Band names are considered branding, and branding cannot be protected by copyright. Avoid duplicate band names Consequently, the name of your band would not be eligible for copyright protection. . Building Brand Value: Your band name becomes synonymous with your music and style, building recognition and goodwill. Although this does not offer legal I am wondering if it is copyright infringement to sell posters or artwork that has a bands name and/or song lyrics on it. Here in Sweden a trademark can even vary from one county [note it says county, not country] to another, so it would be very difficult to try to check that out. Trademarking is a powerful tool to stop the unauthorized use of your band name by copycats. Dec 3, 2019 · Pop Quiz! What do Taylor Swift and Kanye West have in common? Other than their Video Music Awards (VMAs) history, and that they are both musicians, they both have registered trademarks on their names. Find details of trade marks to: check if a similar trade mark to your brand already exists in the UK; find out who owns a trade mark; Search by trade mark number. News stories, speeches, letters and notices. ; Performer: Search for the artist or band that performed the song. It’s always a good idea to do a thorough search online and check trademark databases before settling on a name. This refers to how your artist or band name is formatted, either in standard form, or with special characters. This might seem obvious, but the first thing you need to do is check that no one else is using your band name. Here are the top sites for finding free t-shirt designs: Jun 19, 2024 · The Audio Library of YouTube is a repository of copyright-free music and sound that you can utilize for your project without getting a copyright strike. The more unique a band name is, the more Mar 16, 2022 · No, copyright does not apply to band names. S. Jan 19, 2024 · Simple instructions to secure your business name If you have a name or title you'd like to protect, you need a trademark, not a copyright, to ensure that others can't use it without permission. These tools are designed to: Detect similarities between two or more pieces of music. News. Resolve disputes regarding patents with PTAB. See if the name is available in the class/field you want. Trademark law varies from country to country - mention the country your matter relates to when asking trademark questions. Fees The fee for filing online can be found under items 1(a)(i) and 1(b)(i) of the fees page . Nov 8, 2024 · Another way to determine if a song is copyrighted is to check the official website or social media profiles of the artist or record label. Search Easy Song's database of over 1. This is complicated. In order to be able to claim the revenue for yourself from a cover song, you will need explicit written consent from the copyright holder(s). With copyright protection, no one can take your musical creation and claim it as their own. Here’s how: Search for the artist or record label’s official website and social media profiles (e. Because of a band name's value, all members of the band should have shared ownership of the name. Aerosmith ® is considered a fanciful trademark. In which case, you would have to change your name. If you already have a band, be sure to register it in the Wordwide Band Registry. It's $200 a year. Government activity Departments. Apr 25, 2023 · While band names can’t be copyright protected – you can’t copyright a name or short phrase – music can be, as it is considered an independent creative work. To check the status or ownership of a song's copyright 1. How to Find and Use Sep 2, 2024 · 4. Welcome to the largest website on the internet dedicated to band names. Namify goes beyond name suggestions by assessing the availability of social media usernames corresponding to your selected name. Patent Trial & Appeal Board. There is a concept known as passing off and under those rules a company or organisation can object to someone who is seen to be trading off their already established name or implying association with them. https://artlist. They are considered more as identifiers and contribute to the distinct authorization of bands. Head to the YouTube Audio Library and type in the name of the song you wish to use in the search bar. 6 million songs for copyright information and more. Upload your video to YouTube and find out, 5. Aug 18, 2023 · As for the more general question of how to know whether a character name is already taken, I can only recommend doing a Google search. Posts seeking to share music and seek other band members are only allowed under the 1 in 10 rule. This This innovative new system ingests song ownership information from each PRO, processes and reconciles that information based on agreed-upon rules, and then sends the reconciled data back out to BMI and ASCAP’s public, searchable databases. Dec 20, 2011 · A common misunderstanding is the idea that one can “copyright” a band name. Guidance and regulation Est. Step 1: Make a quick video As of rn there’s no way to use your band name/pseudonym as the sole credit. You can copyright logo art. Can I Use Someone Else's Work? Can Someone Else Use Mine? Mar 1, 2023 · Although, researching is the key to checking out copyrighted video copyrighted otherwise you can just upload the video on an alternate or backup youtube page and see how it goes. So if you see a cool campy movie poster from the 1950s, it probably isn’t copyright free. Creative Commons Licenses. Feb 13, 2004 · i have looked on bandname. Before you can register a trademark for your artist or band name in the UK, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive search to ensure that your chosen name If the current copyright holder/claimant provides explicit written permission; and/or There is copyright dispute/lawsuit involving the work and one of the attorneys involved submits a formal request for a copy of the work; and/or There is a court order authorizing a copy to be reproduced and provided to a particular party The more unique your band name, the more protection you will be afforded. It sets the tone for your music and tells the world what you’re about. Official Public Catalog (1978-Present) The U. Social media username check. Kurt, Freddie, Cheryl) A place that has special significance to your band (e. The trade-name law states that you have to be in business at least a year and the name has become synonymous with your image. com. Perfect for musicians seeking catchy, creative names for any genre. Decide who will own the trademark. Tell us a bit about your band. Well, this one is kind of a no-brainer—just use royalty-free images or images from the public domain! This is a surefire way to avoid copyright infringement and paying for royalties or license fees. Departments, agencies and public bodies. This could involve using the name prominently in marketing materials, product packaging, or within the content of copyrighted Aug 3, 2022 · However, Spotify has both copyrighted and non-copyrighted music, and you should double-check before using a song on any platform to avoid legal troubles. shouty, rock, indie) The lead member's first name (e. After we released our second EP, they released a song. At the moment, I would stay well clear of anything with a possiblity of a DMCA strike as Twitch are in very bad terms with some important companies who could possibly bring legal consequences to streamers for playing copyrighted songs. Another band with the same name can confuse your fans and make it harder to keep your audience engaged. The court agreed, resulting in a significant financial penalty against the restaurant for trademark infringement . Feb 6, 2024 · 5. Information about obtaining a registered trademark for the name of your band may be obtained at the U. Just Google It. ). While the band names generated by our tool are created randomly, we can’t guarantee they’re entirely unique or free from copyright. The digital version of this of course is to use the Special:Random tag for Wikipedia. My previous band had the same name as another band. Jul 27, 2009 · You cannot copyright a band name. For example, your band formed a partnership and is organized under a business name. Q5. A name can be copyrighted in one country, but not in another. However, you can still protect your name from copying and infringement by registering a trademark , like the bands mentioned above. It is not a place to advertise your band. Head here: link There is a pretty easy walkthrough. Often a leaving member will forfeit their rights in the name when they leave the band. In the case of Panda Jack, there is already a book named "Panda Jack and the Bamboo Stalk" , but it appears to be a sort of "beginners' book" for people learning Chinese, and doesn't bear any resemblance to your Instead, you would trademark a band name as a way to distinguish your band from another one. Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Hence, in this article, we will share the easiest way to know if a song is copyrighted or not on Spotify . Use our free AI Band Name Generator to brainstorm band or musician name ideas, or take inspiration from the examples below. org. Mar 30, 2015 · The website is easy to use, simply type in your desired performing moniker and see if someone, somewhere is already using the name. While it’s safe to assume that a song is copyrighted, there are a few ways to still check if you’re unsure. The artwork would be COMPLETELY original, no band "logos" or images that are not copyright free (I'm mostly an illustrator Jun 2, 2024 · Try one-word band names. We’ll say, for example, that your band name is Marianas Trench, and for some reason you’re not aware of the Canadian punk rock band of the same name. i. Nov 4, 2024 · A search you complete before applying for a trademark registration to make sure your trademark is available to register for your particular goods or services, and to make sure that no other trademark conflicts with it. g. Within trademark law there is a category called servicemarks. I find it extremely fuckin lame Edit: talked to an agent that said you can use a pseudonymous First and Last Name in the credits for Songwriter. Who owns the rights to a band name? Typically, the issue of who owns the band name is dealt with in the Band Agreement. THIS SUBREDDIT IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Just like copyrights protect intellectual property, a trademark protects things like logos, slogans, and names. Nov 8, 2024 · Sites like Free Music Archive have a great selection to check content copyright, but each license has different rules. org can help to protect your name and avoid unwelcome legal conflicts in the future. There was a case, I think went to court, in the 70s/80's when the girl band The Runaways had their first hit. Check if it’s in the public domain on PDINFO. Patent and Trademark Office, www. Cover Song sale! Save 30% and pay just $11. Moreover, platforms like Trademarkia present user-friendly interfaces that simplify the process even further, allowing users to check if their desired phrases are trademarked while also offering guidance on how to interpret the results. You can copyright something related to your band's name, such as a logo, according to the U. Once you have a unique and conflict-free band name, the next step is preparing your trademark application. If you want legal advice, retain a lawyer in your country. The next step is to prepare your trademark application for the USPTO. If the name has not already been registered, do so immediately! It’s free and you can register as many names as Sep 25, 2016 · The second option is quick, simple, affordable, and ensures that you are using 100% copyright-free music. To perform a free trademark search before filing the trademark application you need to know the trademark classes as per the NICE classifications; international classification of goods and services. While it is possible to copyright the design of a band logo, the band name itself is not copyrightable. How do I Dec 7, 2024 · Title: Search for the song title or partial title to find relevant results. In such a situation, the remaining members can continue using the name. Jan 30, 2025 · Creative Integration: Strategically integrating your chosen name into copyrighted materials can help establish a connection between the name and your copyrighted work, providing an additional layer of protection. If every time someone searches up your band name and there's only a 1/4 chance it's the right band, that's gonna hinder audience growth. Dec 17, 2020 · How to Copyright a Band Name & Music. They liked the name, they took it - they had the first hit & the name became theirs. gov . com, but i'm nto sure as to how legally bindding something like that is. Your band/artist name and date of registration will be recorded in the database of bandnameprotection. Prepare and Filing Your Trademark Application . TL:DR - Don't risk it Also, if you want copyright free backing music try some of Harris Heller's. hearts, guitars, drums) A verb ending in 'ing' (e Remember that even if a band hasn't trademarked their name, if they are well known they could fall under common trademark law which means that if you tried to sue them in court for the name later they could still win without the trademark. When I click "Download" on the song I picked, I get a page comparing the benefits of a free download vs a paid "Extended licence". Fees and payment. If you need help naming your band, try our Band Name Generator. Remember, the person who took the photo or is the photo subject is not necessarily the copyright holder. , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. The trademark search contains the filters to find out a similar trademark in a similar class in order to eliminate the conflicts. Aug 2, 2021 · How to check if a song is copyrighted. Yes, you should register a trademark for your band name. So just mentioning the name of a character won’t be copyright infringement without more. ") I pointed out that it might pose a problem if we take that much clear inspiration from another group. Dec 17, 2024 · To check if music is copyrighted, you can follow these steps: Check the song’s metadata: Look for the song’s metadata, which usually includes the artist’s name, title, and album. Make sure your name really is YOUR name. Be sure to include a detailed description of the goods or services your band provides and specify the class under which your trademark should be registered. Just because an image seems "stock" or free, don't count on it: look for indicators of ownership (artist's name, copyright "©," year of creation, trademark "™," etc. The method is as follows. Pay maintenance fees and learn more about filing fees and other payments. We have 10 thousand free to use songs! The fastest way to check music for copyright from YouTube 🎵 To be on the safe side check WIPO and USPTO databases for any trademarked word or phrase. Go to US Patent and Trademark Office online and do a search. View international patent filings. If they are a big band on a major label I imagine the label isn’t too keen to let an unofficial video float around, so you’re probably better off getting the band excited Aug 12, 2024 · You can try to find the name of the owner by looking at the symbol itself or by using a reverse image search tool, such as Bing Image Match. Why can’t band names be copyrighted? Band names are not creative works that you can copyright against any infringement. Oct 28, 2024 · YouTube is the most used site video streaming site on the internet, so the first thing to do is to check if there is any copyrighted song? Uploading a song to YouTube and using a copyright checker to check for copyright issues is the easiest way to check if it’s copyrighted. Nov 24, 2024 · A music copyright checker is a tool or software that analyzes a track to determine whether it contains copyrighted material. Band names can only be trademarked because they provide a distinction between different bands. Consider forming an LLC with the band members listed as partners. gov on the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS), which is where you will be filing your application. A trademark identifies a product, while a servicemark identifies a service (duh). The best way to check if your content infringes someone else’s copyright is to check your content using Google. You should try to go for a unique name that can be securely trademarked. Doing so will keep others from using your music without your express permission and can give you legal recourse if you do find that your music has been stolen. Namify helps confirm the availability of domain names for suggested band names, ensuring your band stands out in the digital realm. A federal trademark comes into play to help your band stay distinctive. Trademarks, on the other hand, are specifically designed to protect names, phrases, and logos that differentiate goods or services from one source from others. There are some places where you can announce your use of a name, such as Bandname. Dec 21, 2023 · Trademarking your band name is critical for a variety of reasons: Brand Protection: It ensures that your band’s name is legally protected, preventing other artists from using a similar name and causing confusion among fans. An unknown duo had been touring small clubs for years Dec 4, 2024 · Why Is a Good Band Name Important? Your band name is the first impression people have of your group. Being indie developer myself I had a experience of resolving such issue when I used trademarked phrase in part of my game name without previous knowledge. And after you do that, try and trick the tool by entering as many band names you can possibly think of – it’s crazy how many acts it already knows. Arts Law publishes a sample Band Partnership Deed and a sample Band Partnership Letter Agreement , which is alternative to the longer more detailed band partnership agreement. Dec 1, 2019 · Is the name Rambo copyrighted? Famous franchise movie characters, like Rambo, Snake Plisskin, and RoboCop, are protected by copyright law because of the copyright in the film and script, but only to the extent of the creative expression by the author. Jul 5, 2024 · Q4. Many people get confused about the difference between these two legal protections, but it’s crucial to understand that names, including band names, do not qualify for copyright protection. Learn more on our blog: What to Expect When Applying for a Trademark: A Comprehensive Guide . Mar 29, 2023 · In this blog post, we will outline the five essential steps to trademark your artist or band name in the UK. Me and a few of my friends have a band. However, you should know that not all copyright-free music is the same. Words of warning: If you have a band, does each member get ownership of the trademark? May 13, 2014 · What’s your band name? Are you sure it’s YOUR band name? What I mean is, are you sure you own the rights to use that band or artist name when you create music and conduct business? In short, is your band name protected as a trademark or service mark? Why your band name should be protected by a trademark. How to check if a song is copyrighted on Instagram and Facebook If you share a name with others, forget availability: change your name no matter what, because you want individuality. For example, Rapper will. Please note the timeframe area of search for each database. Conduct a general web search: Conduct a general web search for the name you want to use to see if any other bands are already using it or if there are any Dec 20, 2023 · How to use creator studio to check if a song is copyrighted. Just be careful not to use the same name as a well known band because it'll confuse people. If the content that you choose to share with your target audience is text-based, copy each paragraph and paste it one by one into Google. Jul 10, 2023 · So many images from old movies are likely to be copyright free even if the movies are not. Nov 27, 2015 · 1. Some of the greatest bands of all time have one-word band names that can be iconic and easily translated into a sweet logo: Blur, Sleep, Kyuss, Genesis, and Death are all awesome single-word band names to take inspiration from. We're trying to find a name, and the singer is deadset on it being a line from another song they like. More tools & links Band Name Maker. I had a band that had a similar name (pronounced the same, but spelled differently) than a smaller band. Protect your Band Name now and avoid unwelcome legal challenges. com isn’t available (not surprising – the site is about the actual physical location in the western Pacific Ocean). (Let's say the song is "Highway to Hell" and they want to name the band "Nobody's gonna mess me around. Honestly in the years I have played shows and met bands, no one really trademarks their band name, especially if they are on soundcloud. Sep 5, 2024 · The most likely scenario is that the copyright holder will allow you to showcase this content, but they will be taking all of the money earned from it. If you are curious about it, talk to them on their live chat. Also a name can be copyrighted for one kind of use, but not for another. If you have a partnership name, file the application under the partnership name. Discover effective techniques, tools, and resources to ensure your music is original and avoid legal pitfalls. You will want to create an account with USPTO. 1997 - Over 2,000,000 musicians and 500,000 band names registered Register and establish prior usage for a one-off lifetime fee of $15. Search for royalty-free or public domain images. Generate unique band names instantly with our free Band Names Generator. This information is often available on music streaming platforms, radio stations, or music blogs. However, fictitious names that do not resemble the name that could be borne by an actual person or might be thought by the public to be names or surnames may be registrable. When I click "Choose Free Download" it shows a page explaining the licence. With millions of bands creating music all over the world, there may come a time when another band tries to use your band's name. Patent and Trademark Office to check if the name they have chosen has already been taken. You also don't want to build your music to a point Feb 23, 2023 · Check for copyrighted material: If you want to use any copyrighted material in your band name, such as a famous quote or character name, you may need permission from the copyright owner. Need a prompt? Go random! Generate a Band Name. As we mentioned before, there are 3 different groups with royalty-free music. If you have any doubts, get consent or forget it. For personal names, type first name last name: James Michener. Can’t copyright a name, but you can apply for a trademark. I see it everywhere, but after doing some research, I can't figure out if it's technically legal. No name finding without a name check! Above all, in addition to a domain and search engine check, trademark research is absolutely indispensable. To check if a song is copyrighted you can: 1. I’d reach out to the band on social media and just ask—if they aren’t too big they might be excited about the “free” music video and give you their blessing. Copyright Office Public Records System allows users to search and access copyright records online. Jul 17, 2008 · You cannot copyright a band name. Although you can copyright a band logo, you can't copyright the name itself. 1. You can register a "trade name" One example used by Library of Congress is the "Sun Oil Company" named "Sunoco". This is a place for musicians who play with other musicians. Part of the series: Band & Music Careers. *Apparently, with permission. When you see the Songview checkmark, you know that the data is consistent in both ASCAP and BMI’s copyright systems. Very different genre (metal vs electro) and they never released anything, just had a facebook page without activity. The names are the titles of protected works or the names of the authors or others associated with the copyright record, but the names themselves are not considered copyright-protected. Having your artist or band name properly registered as a trademark can prevent you from having to change your name entirely later on. Feel free to connect with other bands, share tips, or ask for help with an issue your band is having. Consider bibliomancy; grab a book you like (or an encyclopedia), open it to a random page, and find a phrase that strikes you. Check Creative Commons licenses, 3 Search the internet yourself, 4. Imagine someone scrolling through a playlist—your name could be the reason they stop and listen. emdqm izmsq hixmpfq eon itern xyvs teyljvn rbtelqz lsgi hxbc bkafver kbeoksoe uql hbcrr oftfsb