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- 1). Come up with a distinctive name that hasn't already been used by someone. Performing arts guilds such as the Screen Actors Guild will not allow you to perform with a name that someone else already performs under. In addition, having an unusual name will help you cultivate a stage persona.
- 2). Register any work that you do under your performing name. The copyright office allows you to register your pseudonym as well as your real name. Not only will this protect your work by copyrighting it, but it will also establish you as a performer using that particular pseudonym.
- 3). Keep a file of works you do using your performing name. Include flyers and programs for performances, press clippings, videos or audio recordings, and anything else that shows your professional identity. Keep your files labeled by date and location, and well organized.
- 4). Perform often under the assumed name. The more you are seen using a particular name for professional purposes, the more claim you will have to it in the eyes of the law.
- 5). Familiarize yourself with law of trademark dilution. If someone uses your name or a very similar name to offer the same product as you are (e.g., music, acting, etc.) you can sue them for "diluting" the value of your name. This is true even if you haven't officially registered a trademark.
- 6). Register your performing name as a trademark. Follow the link below in Resources for online forms and an application. Only a few people, such as the actor Morgan Freeman, have successfully registered trademarks on their names, but it can be done.
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