Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Illinois

Re: Performing Name

You already have both trademark rights and copyright under common law. Both are automatic. What is needed now is to register these rights so you can effectively enforce them. I am an Illinois lawyer and a recognized expert in trademark and copyright law (patent & software law, also). My website is at www.burdlaw.com. I can certainly help you. You likely have other intellectual property issues of which you are not aware. Email me you contact information and I will be pleased to assist you. The initial advise is free, so there is nothing to lose and lots to gain for you.

Bruce Burdick

[email protected]

www.burdlaw.com

Re: Performing Name

While you may have common law rights in your sound recordings, compositions, artwork, logos, servicemark, trademark, etc., it is very important to register this intellectual property with the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S Patent & Trademark Office. You can do this all online yourself. As a musician, you should get a servicemark for performing services, but you might also consider a trademark for the sale of T shirts and other merch. Copyright registrations cost $30.00 and trademarks & servicemarks are 325.00 each. It is well worth the investment. You can also do a federal search on the PTO's site. Benefits include, statutory damages and attorneys fees. Without registration, an owner of intellectual property, which doesn't have established commercial value, cannot easily enforce its rights against infringers.