In our discussion today we sit down with our good friend and Attorney, Roger Notario over at Apollo’s Counsel to discuss the topic of trademarks and their impact on the music industry.
As an artist, protecting yourself and your music has to be a priority.
These all fall under trademark law which is often a topic overshadowed or confused with copyright law.
This also builds off our previous discussion with Roger where we broke down the basics of music copyright Here.
“Apollo’s Counsel is a law firm focusing on entertainment and intellectual property law. The goal here is to provide creative, client-centered approaches to traditional and emerging legal issues.
Whether you need a contract reviewed, a trademark registered, or a sample cleared, the goal is to do what is best for you now and in the long run.”
Roger Notario Music Trademark Interview Timestamps:
1:33 – Should artists trademark their stage name or logo?
3:44 – Trademarks and how they apply to new artists
7:53 – Long Term Costs of rebranding
10:22 – Difference in processing times when filing trademarks vs copyrights
15:35 – The grey area with trademarks
20:40 – What happens when artists end up identical artist names
26:06 – How infringement and clout intersect
36:51 – What happens when artists end up with similar names
41:56 – Different classifications of trademarks
48:56 – Merchandise and infringement
58:04 – Disputes with bandmates or partners
1:16:10 – Key Takeaways
Kevin is the founder of Music With Flavor, which joined Whipped Cream Sounds in 2023. He is a seasoned musician turned industry expert. His passion for music goes beyond melodies; he delves deep into the intricate world of music marketing, striving to unearth the most effective strategies for indie musicians. However, Music With Flavor isn’t just about Kevin’s knowledge; it’s a network of industry experts handpicked to provide the most trusted advice. Kevin’s role is to pose the right questions, not just answer them, as he and his team tirelessly research trends, connect with artists, and gather valuable insights.
