You might also consider a podcast name that includes your own name, particularly if you are an expert on the topic of your podcast or already have a significant following online. Ideally, your title should be brief, memorable, and easy for people to say. Try to come up with several alternatives in case someone else is already using one of them.
Even if you don’t already have an online following, you can get your friends or colleagues to weigh in on podcast name ideas. One of your friends might come up with something you hadn’t thought of before or inspire a new mental connection for you.
Keep in mind that none of these searches are perfect or exhaustive. There’s still a chance that a podcast with a similar name will slip through the cracks. For example, if you only do a search on iTunes, you might miss a podcast that isn’t distributed through iTunes. Search multiple directories and the internet generally to cover as much ground as possible.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) maintains a database that allows you to search the individual databases of more than 100 countries. Go to https://www. wipo. int/madrid/en/search/ to use it. It would be difficult to make sure your podcast name doesn’t infringe on any trademark in the entire world. However, you should at least check countries that are geographically close or share the same language. For example, if your podcast is based in the US, you might check the Canadian and British trademark databases.
You probably also want to check for social media account names. While your podcast doesn’t necessarily need a presence on every social media platform, having accounts on 2 or 3 will help you spread the word about your podcast. Avoid using hyphens or complicated spellings, which don’t look as professional and are easy to forget. Aim for a . com or . org address. Although there are numerous other domain extensions, they don’t have the search engine power that a . com or . org address does.
Check out the reputation of domain registrars before you make your final selection. While most of them offer basically the same services, some have webpages that are easier to navigate, while others may have stronger customer service. Typically, you’ll register your domain for at least a year at a time. Some registrars allow you to register for several years at a time. However, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing if that particular registrar is still going to be in business after 3, 5, or 10 years. You don’t know if your podcast is going to be around for that long either.
Some hosting services require you to bring your own domain, while others also offer registrar services. Some popular hosts include DreamHost, Bluehost, and A2 Hosting. You might also try WordPress hosting if you’re planning on creating a WordPress site. WordPress is popular with podcasters because it automatically creates an RSS feed, which you’ll need to submit your podcast to directories, such as iTunes. [9] X Research source
For example, if your podcast is based in the US, go to https://www. uspto. gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database to search the trademark database of the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). You should also search the international database, maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), particularly if you’re planning on registering your trademark in other countries. Go to https://www. wipo. int/madrid/en/search/ to access the database, which searches more than 36 million trademarks from 40 different databases. [11] X Research source
If you’re filling it out yourself, make sure you correctly identify the trademark class for your podcast name. Trademark classes are based on the Nice system and are used throughout the world. Typically, a podcast name falls under class 9 goods (downloadable MP3 files) or class 41 services (entertainment services, specifically podcast content).
After you’ve submitted your application online, you typically can use your online account to monitor the status of your application. However, you probably won’t be able to make any changes to your application after you submit it, so make sure it’s complete.
If the examiner determines that there are significant deficiencies with your application, they will deny it. You’ll get a letter stating the reasons for the denial. If only minor corrections are needed to issue your trademark, the examiner may contact you to ask that those changes be made. If your application is approved, your mark will be published. After publication, people have the right to oppose the registration of your mark. If anyone opposes registration, you’ll have to defeat their opposition before your trademark will be issued.
The Madrid System allows you to apply for trademarks in multiple countries with a single application and payment of a single fee. The fees for international trademark protection under the Madrid System vary depending on where you’re from, the number of classes you’re seeking protection in, and where you want your trademark covered. To estimate what your fees will be, go to https://www. wipo. int/madrid/en/fees/calculator. jsp and enter the applicable information.
