Atlanta has produced some of the most successful musical talents over the decades, giving rise to a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry. Musical talents like Cee Lo Green, Ludacris, Keri Hilson and Lil Jon, to name a few, were born in the Peach State, where they began their journey to becoming superstars and household names.
However, their names were not always internationally renowned. They also had to start from somewhere and build their brand to what it is today. At any point throughout their musical career, another individual or entity could have used their names and taken advantage of their creative work. Fortunately, they trademarked their names.
How can a trademark protect you?
A trademark can allow you to identify your name and brand as an entertainer in the music industry and protect your creative work from imitators and copycats. Trademarking your name in Georgia alone is possible, but the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can give you more significant advantages. By registering a trademark for your name with the USPTO, you will have legal protection against its unauthorized use nationwide. You will also have the following benefits:
- Recognition: Trademarking your name will allow others to associate it with the content you produce. Your name and music are all part of your brand, and trademarking your brand can give you significant recognition.
- Profit protection: Another individual or entity can use your name and profit from your reputation if you do not trademark it. Your trademark prevents that.
- Legal protection: Trademarking your name can prevent others from using it without your permission and gives you legal remedies if they do. You will have a legal right to sue them for damages because you trademarked it.
Your name is who you are right now, but as an artist, it can also be the brand of your future musical empire. Although the trademarking process can present unique challenges and variables, starting as early as possible can be invaluable.