Music related domains: Registering album names

[Gerrit]

Does anyone know if I could get in trouble for registering the name of a music album?

I know registering a band's name can be a difficult issue because some bands consider their name as trademarks. However, I guess an album title is a different issue, or are those names legal property of the band or record company as well?

Maybe should add that the name I want to buy is for personal usage, maybe in the future to develop a fansite though at first just for private use. I have no intentions to try to get it sold to the record company or so. (although I'm sure some album titles are worth a lot, if it's landmark albums known by the majority of people, albums like Sgt Peppers or Dark Side Of The Moon.... however, the name I have in mind is not for sales purposes, I on the other hand also don't feel like getting a courtcase from my own favourite band )

 

[Gerrit]

No one got any feedback? I would really like to order the domain, but I'm hesitating. I wouldn't like to be taken to court by my own favourite band, especially not when no commercial intentions are with the registration plans.

 

[rocknrollo]

I may be wrong but i did look into this back when i wanted to be a rock star and had a band. I do not think you can copyright the name of an albulm or song. this may only apply to using the name for another song or albulm, and i think if you baught the name say, Stairway to heaven and used it to sell Zepplins stairway to heaven you would have a problem. Go to the libary and check it out.

 

[Gerrit]

so if I'd register for example rubbersoul.com and use it for personal (non commercial) purposes only, Paul McCartney could not take me to court?

PS: not a Beatles fan myself, just took an example that the whole world should know

 

[Spade]

Interesting question - I would like to know the answer as I have the same issue. I have a domain, which is also the name of an Album (although Im not concerned) I am curious of responses.

BTW - this category should probably be moved to the Legal Section.

 

[Gerrit]

No doubt some album titles would be worth a lot, if you have the name of a landmark album like Dark Side Of The Moon, Sgt Peppers, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, ... In fact it is weird so few bands register the names of their new releases, most bands stick to only their band name. I did see Arcade Fire now bought neonbible.com to promote their new album, Marilyn Manson did the same a few times before.

So it may be interesting to indeed check if there is any law preventing registering such names.

Again, the name I want to buy is first of all for own use, secondly maybe to build a fansite later. I won't rip off my favourite band. Being involved in arts myself, I'd feel very bad practicing piracy on any band I love.