Registering my band name

[Phil777]

Hi again. Do I need to register my band name or rather my artist name to protect my work? If so, what is the best thing to do?

Thanks again,

Phil

[brandondrury]

I'm very rusty on my legal music mumbo jumbo. If I remember correctly, when you register for copywriting your music, you don't have to be previously registered with your name.

It's been a long time since I read any books on this subject. I wish I could be of more help.

Brandon

[StinkMonkey]

Do a band/artist name search, then see if it's available as a dot com. Register it and get a cheap web site. Mail a letter to yourself (and DON'T open it!) stating your intent to use the band/artist name, then put it in a safe place. These show intent to use the name, and the letter also establishes another proof of date the government will recognise because the cancellation date stamp was done by a government entity, the good 'ol USPS. At the same time you can register your artist and band name as your trade marks. Remember where legal matters are concerned it's best to document, document, document. The bigger and longer the paperwork trail the better.
Bob

[Phil777]

stinkmonkey,

Thanks for that advice. I did the search and was shocked at all the listings I found which were posted under this name on another board - but no band names it would seem. Phew! Now I am having second thoughts about this name. How do I register it and get a cheap website? I can do the letter to myself bit ok.

brandon and stinkmonkey,

How do I go about protecting my songs (work) please?

Thanks,

Phil.

[StinkMonkey]

Sorry didn't see your Austrailian at first. Same thing, write or record your songs. Whole album on Cd. Copy it. One to Austrailian Copyright office one to you to be put up. On yours mark it 'Hand Stamp Please'. For the site I'm switching from Network Solutions to: http://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/default.asp
A lot less money for .com and site.

[Phil777]

Bob,

Thanks for your help. I hope to follow up shortly.

Phil

[brandondrury]

A lot less money for .com and site.

When did this thread switch to domains and godaddy? I'm confused.

Brandon

[MR.BYTCH KILLA]

I liked the thread so I chose to reply on this one......


This was good info even for myself man....I think Ill just do the old mail yo self a letter way until I can afford to register it with the U.S.

I maybe even mail the master cd to myself to save money and time....

Im out B.K.

[TAlderson]

As has been said multiple times on this site, the so-called "Poor Man's Copyright" of mailing a letter to yourself does not stand well in public.

You do not need to protect your band name to protect your songs. However, it's probably a good idea to register your name, since you don't want another band stealing your name and your reputation. Although I am unsure about Australia, in many countries you don't necessarily need to register your band name to be protected, only to show that you have some interest in the name and that you used it first. However, it is advisable to register it, as it gves you a little more protection.

Check this site out: http://www.copyright.org.au/information

-Tyler

[MR.BYTCH KILLA]

Originally Posted by TAlderson

As has been said multiple times on this site, the so-called "Poor Man's Copyright" of mailing a letter to yourself does not stand well in public.

You do not need to protect your band name to protect your songs. However, it's probably a good idea to register your name, since you don't want another band stealing your name and your reputation. Although I am unsure about Australia, in many countries you don't necessarily need to register your band name to be protected, only to show that you have some interest in the name and that you used it first. However, it is advisable to register it, as it gves you a little more protection.

Check this site out: http://www.copyright.org.au/information

-Tyler

Well the poor man copyright will have to work for the time being.