In this episode of The Blackletter Podcast, host Tom Dunlap is joined by Carlos Linares and David Ludwig to dive into the legal side of the music industry: how trademarks and copyrights protect bands, songs, and reputations.

Carlos, both a lawyer and longtime member of the internationally touring band The Pie Tasters, brings real-world experience to the discussion. Together, the group explores the biggest legal challenges musicians, managers, and producers face when it comes to protecting their creative work.

Key topics covered:

• Why registering a trademark for your band name is critical.
• What happens when two bands use the same name (and how streaming complicates disputes).
• The role of Spotify, Apple, and other platforms in resolving trademark conflicts.
• How band breakups impact ownership of a name, songs, and royalties.
• Why operating agreements and songwriting agreements are essential for every band.
• Copyright registration rules after the Fourth Estate Supreme Court case (2019).
• What to know before touring internationally with a US trademark.
• How to prevent costly disputes with written agreements and proactive trademark filings.

Carlos and David leave listeners with one key takeaway: treat your band like a business. Clear agreements and IP registrations save time, money, and relationships in the long run.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Pie Tasters (Carlos’ band)
• Fourth Estate Public Benefit Corp. v. Wall-Street.com, LLC (2019)
• Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig – Intellectual Property Services