Music Think Tank Weekly Recap: Instagram • Guitarist Mistakes • Trademark Rights • More

This week on MusicThinkTank, our contributors shared insights on how Instagram influencers earn money, how artists can sustain their energy while on tour, what exactly a trademark/trademark rights are, and more. Joe McLean | Top 30 Instagram Influencers – How Much Money Do They Earn? Shaun Letang | 6 Mistake…

UMG Attempts To Block O-Town’s Trademark Application Over Its Motown Label

In a recent move, Universal Music Group has thrown down the copyright tire spikes, attempting to block the MTV era group O-Town from applying for a trademark, alleging the band’s name is too similar to UMG’s Motown. _______________________________ Guest op-ed Timothy Geigner of Techdirt It will surprise nobody to hear…

Cardi B Can’t Trademark ‘Okurrr says US Patent Office

U.S. Patent and Trademark officials have refused Cardi B’s attempt to trademark her popular catchphrase “Okurr,” striking down any plans to profit from the phrase. Officials said the “slogan” falls under the category of “widely used commonplace expressions” and does not deserve a trademark, according to documents obtained by The…

Registering Your Band Name, Logo

Even in the early stages of brand development, it’s a good practice for bands or solo artists to take the time to register their name, and any particular logos associated with the act, through the proper copyright channels. The process is relatively painless, and can help your brand grow, in…

Apple Files ‘Apple Music for Business’ Trademark

Move over Muzak, Apple has filed a trademark application for "Apple Music For Business." The filing covers "broadcast and transmission of streamed music, audio, video, and multimedia content by means of radio, television, internet, and satellite for business use," and would appear to signal Apple’s intention to enter the lucrative…