Name of Band

**chapowbear** · 07-17-2012, 07:05 PM

Hello, I have a band and, for privacy purposes, let's call this band Joe and the Jungle Giants. (This fake band name is comparable to my actual band name.) On my Facebook page for my band, I was recently contacted by a man from Zambia who claims to own all intellectual property associated with the last two words of my band name. If you look at the fake band name I posted above, the copyright he supposedly owns would be the last two words "Jungle Giants Ltd." He owns the Ltd. in the UK. I am not quite sure what Ltd. means, but he wants me to change my band name. I believe that the last two words of my band name are generic, but this man believes otherwise. He doesn't want his name associated with my band. I really don't know what to do, but any help is appreciated. Thank you so much!

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-17-2012, 08:08 PM

And you are in what country, such that you care what somebody from Zambia thinks? I don't mean to be dismissive, but assuming you're in the U.S. I'm not seeing how your band name affects him his business operations such that he would have any sort of claim within the U.S.

You can't copyright a band name. You may be able to trademark it, but I doubt a guy from Zambia holds a valid U.S. trademark on part or all of a U.S. band's name.

You have not shared enough information for us to comment on his use of the name in the U.K.; assuming he may own a mark in the U.K., that your use of the mark in your band name creates a conflict, you can discuss the details with a lawyer in the U.K.

**chapowbear** · 07-17-2012, 08:25 PM

Thank you for the quick reply. Yes, I am in the U.S. And sorry I wasn't clear, but the guy from Zambia who owns the name does not have a band. It is a business whose name happens to be the last two words of my band name.

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-17-2012, 08:52 PM

Which, in the world of trademarks, likely means that there's no conflict. Rolling Stone Magazine vs. The Rolling Stones. REO Speedwagon vs. REO Speedwagon.

Note, I can't promise what will happen if you go on tour in Zambia.

**Browne** · 07-31-2012, 04:52 PM

Quoting Mr. Knowitall

Note, I can't promise what will happen if you go on tour in Zambia.

LOL It's just one country to avoid on tour, that's all.

I don't think you have anything to worry about OP. Two different countries, two different entities.......nothing to see here really. I think the business owner is just trying to make himself out to be more important than he is.