How to Patent a Band
If you value your band name and want to ensure that you'll be able to use it legally for the entirety of your band's existence, you'll need to know to how to trademark your band name. A trademark prevents former band members and other bands from capitalizing on your band name. You can trademark a band name by doing a trademark search and submitting an application at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
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Instructions
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Brainstorm several band names. Come up with names that don't sound too similar to existing band names.
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Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office website: uspto.gov.
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Click on the "Search Marks" link in the "Trademarks" column in the middle of the screen.
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Click on the "New User Form Search (Basic)" link.
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Enter your first band name choice into the search bar and click the "Submit Query" button. Click on matching marks to make sure the name you want isn't being used for a band. If it is, search different names until you find one that is available.
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Click on the "Home" link at the top left of the screen.
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Click on the "File Forms Online" link in the "Trademarks" column in the middle of the screen.
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Click on the "Initial Application Form" link.
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Click on the "Trademark/Servicemark Application, Principal Register" link.
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Select the TEAS form that fits your specific situation and click on the "Continue" button.
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Fill out the application form and submit the appropriate fee. As of 2010, the TEAS Plus form is $325, while the TEAS form is $275.
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Use the name continuously to ensure the validity of the trademark and to make sure the public identifies the band name with your band.
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Tips & Warnings
Get a trademark and service mark for your band. A trademark protects a band name in regards to musical recordings, while a service mark protects it as an entity in live performances.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Live concert Gig image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
