How do i find out if something is copyrighted or not?

search it in google and see if anything with that name comes up.

(Scroll down, and go to the Musician's Registry then go to the Harmony Central website, to see if a band name is already in use and to register your band's name if it is not already in use, but first, read this so that you can better understand what it is you are dealing with): 1) Look for a "C" inside of a circle or and "R". (C = Copyright T = Registered Trademark) on all music sheets and official documentation 2) Go here to the Office of Copyright: http://www.copyright.gov/ and to this dept for Sound Recordings: (this is to protect your songwriting): http://www.copyright.gov/register/sound.html 3) For the name of a band though, you really ought to call the Bar Associaton for the state you live in because it is an issue of trademark, which is federal, but it may also be an issue of incorporation, which is by state. 4)These websites will explain what to do and how/where to do it: Register a Band Name: Band Name Registry SitesHow to register a band name. ... BandName.com - Search existing or register a new band name. How to Register on MusiciansRegistry.com: ... www.musiciansregistry.com/resources/na… - 12k - Cached - Similar pages Band Names and Trademark Law by Alan KornBesides obtaining registration of a service mark, a band may also register its name as a trademark if it is associated with specific merchandise, ... www.alankorn.com/articles/band_tradema… - 7k - Cached - Similar pages Harmony Central - The Band Pageprovides a way to register your band name and check to see if it's already in use by someone else. Tape and CD Suppliers/Production/Mastering ... www.harmony-central.com/Bands/ - 51k - Cached - Similar pages Trademark band name, copyright band names: protecting the Name of ...However, they could not use the band name in Chicagoland since you were the ... A state trademark gives you protection throughout the state you register. ... www.musiclaw.info/bandname.html - 12k - Cached - Similar pages There are tremendous resources available on the internet for getting exposure for your band also. I know because I researched it for a friend of mine who created a band that is on the rise. If this interests you, go here: http://www.google.com/search?q=internet+radio+free+time+for+bands&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1 I hope your band has great success!