Originally posted by Chimney
Just use your real name.
What if it's John Smith though?
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May-02-2009 12:07
Darkarbiter
Psysnob
Registered: Mar 2007
Location: Melbourne
quote:
Originally posted by Sykonee
What if it's John Smith though?
Then you'll be the first, no musical artists have actually used that name for music.
Registered: Jul 2007
Location: Newcastle, Australia
If his not active and isnt in the same area as you I really wouldnt see the harm. Though it wouldnt hurt messaging him asking if its ok for you to use the same name as him
May-02-2009 16:37
nefardec
Tranceaddict in tranning
Registered: Oct 2004
Location:
just put something like "the official" or "the one and only" or "the real" in front of it. problem solved!
May-02-2009 18:44
Trance-M
Since 1994 tranceaddict
Registered: Oct 2005
Location: Limburg, Netherlands
John Smith the 32nd
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May-02-2009 19:15
Stasis
41º 42' N, 86º 10' W
Registered: Feb 2003
Location: New England
Meh, it happens...
In reality, are you really afraid of getting into a lawsuit over this?
you could file for a trademark and see what happens. if it doesn't get approved then there is your answer.
however, in order for the application to be approved by the u.s. trademark office you must show statement of use, which means that you need to show a flyer or some sort of publication that reflects the 'public' use of said name.
that guys most likely didn't file a trademark so you should be ok and legally allowed to use that name.
google some trademark & patent attorneys that specialize in the music industry so you can consult.
May-03-2009 01:03
Stasis
41º 42' N, 86º 10' W
Registered: Feb 2003
Location: New England
I'm not sure that's very practical advice for someone with an anime character as an avatar (not that there's anything wrong with that, I'm just assuming you're a teenager). Registering a trademark is a few hundred dollars and talking to a lawyer is also going to cost money unless they're a family friend or something.
I really think you're probably getting ahead of yourself--unless I'm wrong and you're out there already releasing tracks. Trademark infringement doesn't become an issue until there's enough money at stake. Remember how long the dubstep Plasticman got away with using Richie Hawtin's alias? I think he needed to get a Radio 1 show before anyone really told him to change it to The Plastician...
