Born as Prince Rogers Nelson, he later changed his name four
times. In 1993, he changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
He referred
to himself as “The artist formerly known as Prince.” According to the witty
article in Entertainment Weekly, he did not have his name changed legally (according
to the government). Warner, whom Price accused of “stifling his creativity”,
largely influenced the name change. There was a legal battle between Warner
Bros. and Prince over the artistic and financial control of his musical output.
He did not want to be known as a “slave” to Warner Bros, so he changed his name
to a Love Symbol, which he said was symbolic of his identity and his music. His
argument was that his mother gave him the name Prince, in which Warner Bros.
trademarked.
According to copyright law, professional names of performers
cannot be protected under copyright. They need to get a trademark for their
stage name. Of course, I don’t think Prince needed to worry too much about
another performer stealing his name (or lack there of). Ideally, copyright law
says that when Prince “retired” and became a new performing group as
T.A.F.K.A.P., he had to be extra careful to avoid duplication of another
group’s name. Prince was very careful, indeed. To be extra sure that his name
was unique, Prince might’ve checked with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. If he was still
feeling unsure, his attorney can fine him the names of firms that specialize in
searches for this kind of trademark. Obviously, Prince was did his homework.
Sources:
Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, p. 111
Word Count: 259
Julie, I appreciate the wittiness Prince had. I knew he changed his name at one point, but I didn't fully understand why. It's also interesting that not only his stage name changed, but his stage name was his actual name. I assume that it would have been much less complicated if he hadn't used his real name. I think it was a risky, but genius career move on his part. Good for him.
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