Can two artist have the same name?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on June 28, 2026
Stores sometimes group artists together who have the same (or similar) names, or create a new artist page instead of using your existing page. We can help! In the world of actors, for example, no two actors are allowed to have the same name as each other and both belong to SAG (the actors union).
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Likewise, people ask, can I have the same name as another artist?
It is very difficult to get a trademark that consists of only a person's name, specifically because names are not unique. But yes, it is legal to have the same name as another artist and to practice your trade under that name, as long as it is not trademarked by someone else.
Beside above, can 2 songs have the same name? Kalman, Yes, two songs (or books) may have the same titles because titles are not protected by copyright (please click on the links for full details). Even if a name, title, or short phrase is novel or distinctive or if it lends itself to a play on words, it cannot be protected by copyright.
In this way, can two artists have the same name on Spotify?
Often, bands/artists that have the same or similar names get placed under the same Spotify artist profile or an album gets placed under the wrong artist profile. In order to get this corrected, we need to file something called an Artist Separation.
Are artist names copyrighted?
Names can't be copyrighted. They can be trademarked, however. A common-law trademark is established by using the name in trade and adding the “TM” symbol to it. A registered trademark is obtained by filling out certain forms and paying a fee.
Related Question AnswersCan you be in two bands?
absolutely join both. Unless you're uber one dimensional in your musical tastes, neither band will wholly satisfy your musical needs on their own. Being in two bands can be way more fulfilling on that front. As far as what to expect, just expect to be at twice as many band practices as you would with one band.How do I protect my artist name?
To do this, start by going to the USPTO Website. From the homepage, click on Trademarks and then on the first link under Trademarks named Searching Trademarks. For name searches, choose the first link – Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).What happens if you have the same band name?
Yes. This falls not under copyright law but trademark law, which can be considerably murkier. There is nothing illegal about two companies or bands or individuals having the same name. There is a trademark office where you can register trademarks such as names and logos.How do I know if a band name is taken?
Find Out If Your Band Name Is Being Used The site includes a link to the U.S. Federal Trademark Registration Service, which is available for a $30 fee. Check with BMI and ASCAP, the two major music licensing organizations. They will do a search of their rosters for conflicting names.How do I know if a band name is copyrighted?
You still need to check to see if the band name is trademarked. Head over to the USPTO website and check for registered or pending trademarks. If you don't find anything that resembles your band name, you're in the clear! Be sure to check for similar names and misspellings.Do bands trademark their names?
While it is possible to copyright the design of a band logo, the band name itself is not copyrightable. Band names are protectable under trademark law, because like brand names they allow us to distinguish one band's music and identity from another.How much does it cost to copyright an artist name?
Instead, you would trademark a band name as a way to distinguish your band from another one. You can copyright something related to your band's name, such as a logo, according to the U.S. Copyright Office. As of the time of publication, the basic online registration fee for a copyright is $25.How much does it cost to trademark an artist name?
(Note: It costs $275-$325 per class as a fee to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and anywhere from $600 to $1000 for an attorney to create the application.When a band breaks up who keeps the name?
Typically when this happens, the solo artist is billed as their name, but then also their affiliation to the previous band: "NAME (of BAND NAME)". One of the members (typically the lead singer) may come to an agreement with the other band members and the label to continue the band and simply replace the old members.How do artists sign up for Spotify?
Go to Spotify for Artists, or open the mobile app. Go to Profile and scroll down to Artist Playlists. Select Edit, then + Add Playlist. Search for the playlist, or copy and paste the playlist's Spotify link in the search field.How do I change my artist name on Spotify?
Unfortunately, Spotify can't change your song or album titles, album art, or artist name manually. Spotify receives your music, album art, and track info via metadata delivered to them by DistroKid. And Spotify is only able to display this content in the way it's presented to them.How do I copyright my artist name?
To do this, start by going to the USPTO Website. From the homepage, click on Trademarks and then on the first link under Trademarks named Searching Trademarks. For name searches, choose the first link – Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).How do I find my Spotify Artist ID?
Artist ID on the Spotify desktop app:- Find your public artist page on Spotify.
- Click the icon that appears below your artist name.
- When the menu appears, choose Share > Copy Spotify URI.
- When you paste the Spotufy URI, remove the “spotify:artist:” text at the beginning of the string.
