Trademarking Band and Artist Names
Trademarking your band or artist name is a crucial step in protecting your identity, no matter the size of your career. While global icons like Taylor Swift have the resources and reach to trademark everything from song titles to album names, even independent musicians can benefit from securing their names. By trademarking your name, you gain legal protection, ensuring that your identity remains yours alone, and preventing others from using or profiting from it.
Why Trademark Your Band or Artist Name?
For most musicians, the name they perform under is more than just a label—it’s the brand that fans come to know and love. Without a trademark, someone else could use a similar or even identical name, leading to confusion and possibly even legal issues down the road. By securing your name with a trademark, you establish exclusive rights to use it in connection with your music, merchandise, and services.
While artists like Taylor Swift have trademarked everything from their names to song lyrics and album titles, you don’t need to be a superstar to benefit from trademark protection. For smaller or independent musicians, trademarking just your name is an essential step to ensuring no one else can claim it and build their career using your identity. Think of it as an investment in your future as an artist.
The Taylor Swift Example: Going Beyond the Name
Taylor Swift is a master of trademarking, with over 200 U.S. trademarks and 28 registered trademarks in Australia. While most musicians don’t have the global reach or resources to follow Swift’s full trademarking strategy, her approach offers valuable lessons for every artist. Swift has secured trademarks not just for her name but also for fan-related terms like “SWIFTIES” and “TAYLOR NATION,” album titles such as Reputation and Folklore, and even lyrics like “This Sick Beat.” Her meticulous approach ensures that her brand remains protected across all facets of her career.
For independent musicians, the lesson here is that protecting your name is the first and most important step. Even if you don’t plan to trademark song titles or album names just yet, securing your band or artist name is critical to establishing your identity in the marketplace.
When Should You Trademark Your Name?
If your music is gaining traction, you’re performing live, or you’re selling merchandise with your name or logo on it, it’s time to consider trademarking. Trademarking your name helps protect your brand from copycats and gives you peace of mind that no one else can use it for their gain.
Here are a few key reasons to trademark your band or artist name:
- Exclusive Rights – By trademarking your name, you gain exclusive rights to use it in connection with your music, merchandise, and performances.
- Protecting Your Identity – A trademark prevents others from using a similar name, which could lead to confusion or hurt your reputation.
- Future-Proofing Your Brand – As your career grows, trademarking your name ensures you retain control over how it’s used and keeps you in charge of your brand’s direction.
While Taylor Swift’s expansive trademark portfolio covers everything from perfumes to tour merchandise, smaller artists can benefit from starting with just their name. Trademarking early on prevents potential disputes and keeps your identity safe as you grow your fanbase.
How to Trademark Your Name
- Conduct a Trademark Search – Before filing for a trademark, make sure your name isn’t already taken by another artist or band. A thorough search will help prevent legal issues down the line.
- Identify Classes of Goods and Services – When you trademark your name, you need to select the categories it will cover. For most musicians, this includes music performances, recordings, and merchandise.
- File Your Application – Once you’ve confirmed that your name is unique, you can file a trademark application with the relevant intellectual property office, such as IP Australia.
Trademarking: Not Just for Superstars
While most independent artists don’t have the same global reach as Taylor Swift, trademarking your name is still a wise move. It’s an affordable, practical way to protect the brand you’ve worked hard to build. Whether you’re just starting out or already making a name for yourself, trademarking ensures that you—and only you—control your identity.
How Markport™ Can Help
At Markport™, we specialise in trademark protection and design services tailored for musicians and bands. Whether you’re an independent artist or an established performer, we can guide you through the trademark process, from conducting a name search to filing your application. Our team understands the challenges musicians face and can help you secure your brand, so you can focus on what matters most—creating music.
Protect your music, protect your name—contact Markport™ today for expert trademark services designed to help artists like you.
By securing your band or artist name through trademarking, you’re not just protecting your work—you’re investing in your future. Let Markport™ help you safeguard your identity and build a brand that stands the test of time.
Ask us about trademarking your band or artist name and level up your brand today.