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Changing band name! How little is acceptable?

You said they are a cover band. I can't see how it's even possible that you are ripping them off. They don't write anything.

I'm not ripping them off, it's just they are a "full time" band and I feel as if it is probably good to have some distinguishing factors name wise... however I do want a name that is similar to Doodlebug... hmmm, I'm unsure myself now. I really don't know what to do to be honest :hmm:
 
I'm really unsure now... it's only because we are so close geographically that I think a name change is necessary. Well, I don't actually think it is, but they want me to. I'm not really sure where I'm standing with this right now. Are there different rights or something for Cover bands and Original bands? I just don't want to get myself into trouble later down the line... oh dear, I am confused :confused:
 
I'm really unsure now... it's only because we are so close geographically that I think a name change is necessary. Well, I don't actually think it is, but they want me to. I'm not really sure where I'm standing with this right now. Are there different rights or something for Cover bands and Original bands? I just don't want to get myself into trouble later down the line... oh dear, I am confused :confused:

AFAIK, unless they trademarked the name they can't do anything legally.

Now keep in mind that when googling doodlebug, you get hits for their band. So you have your fans dealing with figuring out which band is the one they actually like when searching info on you.

Personally, I wouldn't want my band having the same name as another.
 
Tell them to get stuffed, if they get a lawyer involved complain to your local rag and get 300 squid worth of free publicity.

They are a cover band for crying out loud. They aren't going to sue you in court. If they engaged a lawyer to tell you to shut up it would cost them way more than it was worth, very unlikey and if it happens you get your 300 squid worth of free publicity (with a link to some originals online) while you tell their lawyer to get stuffed and see what they say next.

Get a good logo.
 
You can always refer to Monty Python's infamous "Rock Notes" sketch (origin of Toad the Wet Sprocket's name) for ideas on how to "morph" the band name :D:

"Rex Stardust, lead electric triangle with Toad the Wet Sprocket has had to have an elbow removed following their recent successful worldwide tour of Finland. Flamboyant ambidextrous Rex apparently fell off the back of a motorcycle. “Fell off the back of a motorcyclist, most likely,” quipped ace drummer Jumbo McCluney upon hearing of the accident. Plans are already afoot for a major tour of Iceland.

Dead Monkeys are to split up again, according to their manager, Lefty Goldblatt. They’ve been in the business now ten years, nine as other groups. Originally the Dead Salmon, they became for a while, Trout. Then Fried Trout, then Poached Trout In A White Wine Sauce, and finally, Herring. Splitting up for nearly a month, they re-formed as Red Herring, which became Dead Herring for a while, and then Dead Loss, which reflected the current state of the group. Splitting up again to get their heads together, they reformed a fortnight later as Heads Together, a tight little name which lasted them through a difficult period when their drummer was suspected of suffering from death. It turned out to be only a rumor and they became Dead Together, then Dead Gear, which lead to Dead Donkeys, Lead Donkeys, and the inevitable split up. After nearly ten days, they reformed again as Sole Manier, then Dead Sole, Rock Cod, Turbot, Haddock, White Baith, the Places, Fish, Bream, Mackerel, Salmon, Poached Salmon, Poached Salmon In A White Wine Sauce, Salmon-monia, and Helen Shapiro. This last name, their favorite, had to be dropped following an injunction and they split up again. When they reformed after a recordbreaking two days, they ditched the fishy references and became Dead Monkeys, a name which they stuck with for the rest of their careers. Now, a fortnight later, they’ve finally split up."