Band Names

[tecjlar]

We actually live in British Columbia Canada but I hope you can answer this question. My band is called Airborne and has been using that name for a year or so. A short time ago, we heard of another band with the same name except they spell it Airbourne. They are from Melbourne Austrailia and have apparently been around since 2005...they have a major recording contract, at least one international album release and have been touring internationally. Our Airborne is a cover band and we only play in the Vancouver area. We are now wondering if we should change our name to avoid any legal problems but have invested some time and expense in promotional materials, logo, webpage, etc. as well as establishing a following based on the name/brand Airborne. We are wondering what our legal position is and if the fact that the names have different spellings has any bearing on the situation. Please advise.

Thanks,What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Antigone*]

We actually live in British Columbia Canada but I hope you can answer this question. My band is called Airborne and has been using that name for a year or so. A short time ago, we heard of another band with the same name except they spell it Airbourne. They are from Melbourne Austrailia and have apparently been around since 2005...they have a major recording contract, at least one international album release and have been touring internationally. Our Airborne is a cover band and we only play in the Vancouver area. We are now wondering if we should change our name to avoid any legal problems but have invested some time and expense in promotional materials, logo, webpage, etc. as well as establishing a following based on the name/brand Airborne. We are wondering what our legal position is and if the fact that the names have different spellings has any bearing on the situation. Please advise.

Thanks,What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Do we need to put the word U.S. LAW ONLY on a sheet of music for you to understand