Your online artist name is more than just a name – it’s your identity and brand, something people recognize you by and when you register it, you rightfully own it.
Be it a musician, painter, or digital creator, owning your name is an indispensable step towards protecting your work and making a place in the industry.
Without adequate registration, someone else can take your artist name, leaving you legally unprotected.
Imagine building an audience only to find out someone else is using your username – infuriating, right?
That is the reason why you need to register your artist name, and doing it online is ideal.
It allows you to protect your brand and gain control over your creative identity, and all that from wherever you want, without needing to go physically to anyone’s office.
So, how do you do this?
Artist Name Registration
So you have chosen your artist name.
But here’s the deal – if you choose it, that doesn’t mean that you own it.
If you desire to secure your name from other people using it, you actually need to register it.
What Does It Mean to Register Your Artist Name?
Think of it like calling dibs—but legally.
By registering your name(however, typically done through trademarking) means that you own it.
No other artist, or business can use it without seeking your consent.
Trademarking vs. Just Using the Name
Trademarking = Full legal rights. You can stop others from using your name, and you’re protected if someone tries.
Just using it = Risky. You might have some rights, but if someone trademarks it first, they can legally force you to stop using your own name.
What Happens If You Don’t Register?
Big risks ahead! Here’s what could happen:
Someone else claims your name—and you may have to change it.
Legal trouble—fighting for your name in court is expensive.
Lost money—without a trademark, you can’t fully profit from things like merchandise or sponsorships.
Confused fans—if someone else uses your name, people might mistake them for you.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about your career, register your artist name. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of headaches later. Plus you can do it online, meaning less hustle and bustle.
Next up: Let’s walk through how to register your artist name online—step by step!
Step 1: Check If Your Artist Name Is Available
Before you go all in on your artist name, you need to make sure it’s actually available!
Nothing’s worse than building a brand only to find out someone else is already using the name.
Why This Step is Important
Avoid Legal Headaches – If another artist or business owns the name, you could run into trademark issues.
Be Easy to Find – A unique name helps fans find you quickly online.
Keep It Consistent – You want the same name across social media, streaming platforms, and websites.
Where to Look
1. Google and Social Media – A quick search can tell you if someone else is already using your name. Check Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter, too.
2. Music Streaming Platforms – Look up your name on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud to avoid clashes with other artists.
3. Trademark Databases – Check the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office) or WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) to make sure your name isn’t officially registered by someone else.
Pro Tips
a. Try Different Spellings – See if slight changes (like adding a word or tweaking the spelling) make your name unique.
b. Use Free Tools – Websites like Namechk can check if your name is free across multiple platforms.
c. Have a Backup Plan – If your first choice is taken, be flexible and think of creative alternatives.
Once you’ve found an available name, you’re all set for the next step—officially claiming it!
Step 2: Choose the Right Registration Method
Alright, now that you’ve checked that your artist name is available, it’s time to make it official!
There are three main ways to do this, depending on what works best for you.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
a. Register Your Artist Name as a Business (DBA – Doing Business As)
If you want to use a stage name or art business name legally but don’t want to change your personal or legal name, a DBA is a great option.
A DBA can be any registered name that you sell your artwork under that isn’t your legal business name.
However, it isn’t a legal business structure and does not provide you with personal liability protection.
b. Trademark Your Artist Name (For Full Legal Protection)
Want exclusive rights to your name?
A trademark protects it legally, so no one else can use it in the music or entertainment industry.
c. Secure a Website (Domain Name) for Your Artist Brand
Even if you’re just starting out, getting a website with your artist name is a smart move.
It makes you easy to find online and prevents others from grabbing your name.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you just want to use your name officially, go for a DBA.
Alternatively, if you want to own the name legally, get a trademark.
Otherwise, if you want a strong online presence, register a domain name.
Or better yet—do all three to fully secure your artist name!
Step 3: How to Register a DBA (Doing Business As)
A DBA is a simple way to protect your brand and look more professional.
Why Should Artists Get a DBA?
Privacy: Keeps your real name out of contracts and business dealings.
Branding: Helps you build a unique identity for your music, art, or creative work.
Legal Protection: Some states require it if you’re using a name other than your own.
Where Do You Register a DBA?
State Government: Usually through the Secretary of State’s office.
Local Government: Some areas require filing with a County Clerk or City Hall instead.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fees vary by location:
State filing fees: $5 – $150 (most around $20 – $50).
Some states require a newspaper notice, which can add another $50+.
How Long Does It Take?
Online applications: A few days to a few weeks.
Faster processing: Some places let you pay extra to get it done in 2–4 weeks.
How to Register a DBA online (Step-by-Step)
Pick a Name: Make sure it’s unique and not taken.
Check Availability: Search your state’s business database.
Gather Your Info: Be ready with your name, business type, and address.
File Your DBA: Apply online.
Publish a Notice (if required): Some states make you announce it in a local newspaper.
Pay the Fees: Complete the registration payment.
Renew When Needed: Some DBAs expire after a few years, so keep track of renewal deadlines.
A DBA is a smart move if you’re serious about your artist name.
It keeps things legal, helps with branding, and makes your name official.
Step 4: How to Trademark Your Artist Name (Legal Protection)
Think of your artist name like your signature style—it’s your brand, your identity.
Trademarking makes it official and legally yours, so no one else can steal or copy it.
Why Bother?
a. It’s Yours and Yours Alone – No one else can legally use your name in music, merch, or performances.
b. Legal Backup – If someone tries to copy you, you have the right to stop them.
c. Stronger Brand – An official trademark makes your name more valuable and professional.
How to Get It Done Online
1️⃣ Check If Your Name is Available
Search for it on Google, social media, and streaming platforms.
Use the USPTO database to see if it’s already trademarked.
Want global protection? Check WIPO or EUIPO databases.
2️⃣ File Your Trademark Application
Pick Your Category – Music? Merchandise? Live performances? Choose what fits your artistic career.
Apply Online at the USPTO TEAS System or any other system in your local area:
TEAS Plus: $250 (cheaper but stricter rules).
TEAS Standard: $350 (more flexibility).
Now, You Wait – Processing takes 12 to 18 months (yeah, it’s slow, but worth it).
3️⃣ Keep Your Trademark Active
Use It – Keep putting out music, content, and art merch under your name.
Renew It – File updates at 5-6 years and 9-10 years or you could lose it!
Protect It – If someone else starts using your name, take action ASAP.
Lawyer Up – If this feels overwhelming, a trademark lawyer can handle the process for you.
Step 5: Register a Domain and Secure Social Media Handles
If you want people to find you easily online, securing your domain name and social media handles is a must.
Think of them as your digital home—if you don’t claim them, someone else might!
Why You Should Grab Your Domain Name ASAP
Keeps Your Brand Consistent – Your website and email will match your artist name, making you easy to find.
Boosts Your Visibility – A custom domain helps you show up in Google searches.
Protects Your Name – Stops someone else from taking it (or worse, selling it back to you for a high price!).
How to Register Your Domain
1. Find a Domain Registrar – Check sites like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains.
2. Search for Your Name – See if your desired domain is available.
3. Pick the Right Extension (.com, .art, .music, etc.) – .com is great, but creative alternatives work too!
4. Register and Pay – Costs around $10–$30 per year—totally worth it.
5. Set It Up – Connect it to your website or email when you’re ready.
Why Social Media Handles Matter
People Can Find You Faster – The same name across platforms makes you easy to search.
Prevents Copycats – If you don’t take your name, someone else might.
Grows Your Brand – Consistent usernames make your social media look professional.
How to Lock in Your Social Media Handles
Check Availability – Use tools like Namechk to see if your name is free everywhere.
Sign Up ASAP – Grab your handle on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and more.
Stay Consistent – Use the same profile pic, bio, and style across all accounts.
Pro Tip – Even if you’re not online or using a platform yet, register your handle or artist name anyway—you never know when you’ll need it!
Step 6: Copyright Protection for Music and Artwork
You worked hard on your music or artwork—so don’t let someone else take credit for it!
After you register your artist name online, make sure to also copyright your artwork.
Copyright makes sure that your creative work stays yours and that no one can use, copy, or sell it without permission.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Copyright vs. Trademark – What’s the Difference?
Think of it like this:
Trademark protects your name, logo, or slogan (like a brand).
Copyright protects your actual creations—songs, paintings, digital art, books, and more.
How to Copyright Your Music or Artwork online
Make Sure It’s Eligible – Your work must be original and saved in some form (recorded, written, or digital).
Get Your Info Ready – You’ll need details like the title, description, and date you created it.
Apply Online – Go to the U.S. Copyright Office or any other local office available to you and file through eCO. It costs $35-$55.
Wait for Approval – It takes time, but once registered, you have solid legal proof that it’s yours.
Good news! Copyright is automatically recognized in most places under the Berne Convention. But if you’re selling globally, registering in key countries gives extra protection.
Why Bother?
a. Proof of Ownership – No one can claim your work as theirs.
b. Control Over Use – You decide where and how it’s used.
c. Protect Your Earnings – If someone steals it, you can take legal action and get paid for damages.
Step 7: Getting Your Artist Name Out There
Alright, you’ve registered your artist name—awesome!
But now, you need people to actually know it, remember it, and associate it with YOU.
Let’s talk about how to make that happen without running into problems along the way.
1. Build a strong online presence
Use Your Name Everywhere: Consistency = Recognition.
Engage, Don’t Just Post: Reply to comments, interact with fans, and use hashtags strategically to show up in searches.
Have a Website: A simple site with your bio, music/art, tour dates, merch, and contact info makes you look more professional. Bonus points if you have a newsletter to keep fans in the loop!
Secure Your Digital Assets ASAP: As we mentioned earlier, grab your domain name and social media handles before someone else does.
2. Use Your Registered Name Professionally
a. Always use your registered artist name on contracts, invoices, and promotional materials. It protects you legally and strengthens your brand.
b. Put your artist name on album covers, business cards, event flyers, and merch. If people see it enough, they’ll remember it.
c. Be mindful of what your name is associated with—bad PR can stick!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Name Check – You might have to rebrand or face legal issues. Check first!
2. Not Registering Everywhere – Grab your trademark, domain, and social handles.
3. Letting Registrations Expire – If you forget to renew, someone else can take them.
4. Ignoring Copyright – Your name is protected, but your work isn’t unless you copyright it.
5. Thinking “It Won’t Happen to Me” – Many artists lose their name because they didn’t secure it early.
FAQs on Artist Name Registration
Can two artists have the same name?
Yes, but it causes confusion and legal trouble. Pick something unique.
Do I need a lawyer to register my name?
Not required, but helpful, especially for trademarks.
How much does trademarking cost?
Around $250–$350 per category with the USPTO.
What if someone else uses my name after I register it?
Send a cease and desist. Legal action may follow if needed.
Is my name protected worldwide if I register in my country, (ie. US)?
No, U.S. trademarks only cover the U.S. Consider international registration.
Can I change my artist name later?
Yes, but rebranding is a hassle. Choose wisely!
Conclusion
Your artist name is your identity—so protect it and you can do that easily if you register for it online!
Check if it’s available, register it the right way, secure your social media, and copyright your work. This keeps your brand unique and legally yours.
Taking these steps now saves you headaches later. Own your name, build your brand, and set yourself up for success!