Artist Name Ownership Question

[carbonated]

Does anyone know what has to be done to secure your name as an artist? Is it like the Screen Actors Guild where only one artist can have a particular name? I happen to be using a name as an artist that isn't my given name and really need to know what steps to take.
Thanks,
Jeff

[carbonated]

Bumping once just in case someone who knows something about this missed it. I guess I'm attorney-bound otherwise.

[mojobone]

Post may have been overlooked, cuz this is a Biz question. You want to trademark your business name or professional name; the process can vary some from state to state, so start with your local Chamber of Commerce for info specific to your location. Usually, you don't need an attorney, but there may be a filing fee and usually there's a search that could take upwards of ninety days (some states are faster) National/international trademarks are a bit more tricky-google is your friend.

[Geoffrey C. Walker]

I recently googled this and yes, the national laws are confusing. Get it taken care of on a regional basis first though. Then at least you have a registered claim somewhere.

[carbonated]

Thank you both. I'll get to work on that.
Peace!
Jeff

[carbonated]

I found a good article written by an attorney here:
http://thedelimagazine.com/kitchen/articles/names.htm