11/03/2025
Saturday 1st March saw some of the biggest names of the music industry gather to celebrate the Brit Awards 2025.
At times like this, when celebrity names are hot in the press, it’s always interesting to consider how far artists go to protect their name and branding. Whilst copyright protects music and recordings, the artist as a brand themselves is increasingly important. With so many big names having started their careers on social media, having that personal interaction with fans is something that drives success. Fostering the relationship to allow fans to feel connected to the artist leads to more success in the charts. It is therefore on the radar to take actions if other parties use the artist’s name and branding on socials to make it seem like they have endorsed or promoted something when, in reality, they haven’t. We often see celebrities telling their fans that they would not promote anything unless they truly believed in it. Therefore, if the artist’s name and/or brand is not sufficiently protected and is free to be used by anyone, it could blur this relationship of trust. Fans may be left unsure as to what the artist has genuinely promoted or not. Social takedowns supported by trade mark registrations are easier as the platforms and marketplaces realise their IP policies are important.
Brit Award 2025 Winners with IP Protection:
- Artist of the Year – CHARLI XCX
- Album of the Year – BRAT (Charli XCX)
- Best new artist – The Last Dinner Party
- International Arist of the Year – Chappel Roan
- International group of the year – Fontaines D.C.
- Best alternative/rock act – Sam Fender
- Best hip-hop/grime/rap act – Stormzy
- Best dance act – Charli XCX
- Best pop act – Jade
- Global Success Award – Sabrina Carpenter
- Songwriter of the Year – Charli XCX
In 13 of the 17 award categories the winner has registered trade mark protection over their name; most notably Charli XCX, who took home five Brit Awards. It does bring to mind the question of whether there is a link between this protection and success at fan-voted award shows such as the Brits. Has the ability to enforce trade mark registrations prevented fans from being confused and buying into a brand that’s not actually connected to their favourite artist? Has it then allowed fans to have a stream lined view of their favourite celebrity’s brand and be therefore be more inclined to vote for them as they feel connected to them?
It will be interesting to see how the pattern of seeking registration for celebrity names develops given the ever growing importance of celebrities’ personal brands online in building successful careers.
This article is for general information only. Its content is not a statement of the law on any subject and does not constitute advice. Please contact Reddie & Grose LLP for advice before taking any action in reliance on it.
