If you’re an artist building a brand, protecting your stage name is one of the smartest legal moves you can make. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your name in connection with your music, merchandise, and other ventures — and helps you stop others from profiting off your identity.
Why Trademark an Artist Name?
As your music career grows, your artist name becomes more than just a name — it becomes your brand. From Spotify listings to t-shirts to tour posters, your name is how fans recognize and support you. A trademark:
- Prevents others from using a confusingly similar name
- Gives you legal tools to enforce your rights
- Helps protect your merch and branding efforts
- Builds long-term value in your career
When Should You File?
Ideally, you should file as soon as you start using the name publicly in connection with your music. Even if you haven’t released a song yet, you can still file based on your intent to use the name commercially. Waiting until you’re “bigger” leaves your name vulnerable to copycats and can make enforcement harder down the line.
What Can You Trademark?
You can trademark:
- Your stage name
- Your band or group name
- A logo associated with your name
- A tagline or signature phrase you use consistently
The key is that it must be used in commerce — typically on music platforms, show flyers, merchandise, or other branded materials.
How the Process Works
- Search – Start with a comprehensive trademark search to make sure your name isn’t already in use.
- File – Prepare and file a federal trademark application with the USPTO.
- Monitor – Respond to any questions from the USPTO and track the application’s progress.
- Register – Once approved, your trademark becomes enforceable and publicly listed.
What If Someone Else Is Already Using My Name?
That’s why a trademark search is critical. If a similar name already exists, you may need to tweak your branding or take legal steps to challenge their use if you had it first and can prove prior rights.
Need Help Trademarking Your Artist Name?
At Landry Legal, we help artists protect what they’ve worked hard to build. Whether you’re just starting out or have millions of streams, it’s never too early to secure your rights.
📞 Call us today, 📧 Email us directly, or learn more here.
