The band name thing is tricky and finding new band names is a bit like
finding race horse names so many have already gone!
There listed below some sites I recommend you visit and thoroughly search
for band names like yours or near yours, before you name a band or decide to
change:
www.bandreg.com free search & register
www.bandname.com free search & register
www.thebandregister2.co.uk free search & register
www.google.com some bands don't know about the band register
www.amazon.com The old Blue sued the new Blue, so old bands sometimes still
have product out but no site.
www.eil.com Best back cat site I have found and used on the net, a must for
any music lover over and above checking the band name thing.
In a case where your band name is spelt differently fine, because the
spelling is different but if you check and there are 10 other bands that
spell it slightly differently then effectively there are 10 bands that
people will confuse you with or 10 potential law suits waiting to happen.
Given your spelling is different, I would suggest that legally you would
probably have an argument (note this involves lawyers fees) to carry on but
I know of a very recent similar case where a band signed to a large label
and had to change their name so as in any legal advice I give the caveat is
that, "I myself would check this with a qualified music lawyer".
That said imagine getting to the point where you are getting good press and
touring the UK and people start going to see these other bands or visit
their websites thinking they are you only to find something that does not
remotely sound like you or in a worst case scenario, what they find is bad?
My gut is that if there are 10 bands about with a name a couple of letters
different to yours and that you have not made it UK wide yet, a name change
may be the smart option and may even be a catalyst for moving the project
forward but I know how attached you can get to a name so in the end it is
your own personal business call.
Sorry if you have just visited the sites above to find your name has already
gone to a Latvian punk band!
Aye Yours
Alec Downie
New Music Development Officer
NEMIS Ltd
22 Jamaica Street
Glasgow
G1 4QD
W: 0141 221 6660
M: 0780 375 2913
H: 0141 427 5755
F: 0141 427 5755
alec@nemis.org
www.nemis.org
www.glasgowmusic.co.uk
www.antsworld.co.uk/glasgowmusic
www.myspace.com/craigmcgee
craig@glasgowmusic.co.uk
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