Can I trademark my name? A trademark guide for influencers
As an influencer or content creator, your name often becomes your brand long before you think of it that way. Followers recognize it, companies associate it with a certain style or niche, and over time it can carry real commercial value. That naturally raises a common question: can you actually trademark your own name? Trademarking a personal name comes with important limitations and requirements that many creators do not understand until they run into problems.
Can you trademark a personal name?
The short answer is yes. In most countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, there is no rule that automatically forbids registering a personal name as a trademark.
In the UK, the Intellectual Property Office allows trademarks that include first names, surnames, or full names, with the exception of names belonging to members of the Royal Family.
In the United States, trademark law allows personal names to be registered, but only if the name is used or intended to be used in commerce. You cannot trademark your name simply to reserve it or stop others from using it in general. There must be a real business purpose behind it.
This is why trademarks are common among public figures. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and many others have trademarked their names, but always in connection with specific goods or services such as clothing, perfumes, tours, or media projects.
What trademarking your name actually protects
Trademark protection does not give you ownership of your name in all situations. It only applies within the scope of the goods or services you register.
For example, trademarking your name for clothing does not automatically prevent someone from using the same name for an unrelated business, such as software or home goods. Trademark law is designed to prevent consumer confusion, not to give blanket ownership over words or names.
For influencers, this means trademarks are most useful when you are actively selling or planning to sell products. Many creators register their names to protect merchandise lines, beauty products, food brands, or digital offerings.
The challenge of surnames and distinctiveness
Trademark offices are cautious when it comes to surnames. A trademark application can be rejected if the name is considered primarily merely a surname. This is because surnames are shared by many people and are not automatically distinctive.
In the United States, trademark examiners look at several factors when deciding whether a name is mainly a surname. These include how common the surname is, whether the name belongs to the applicant, whether it has any other meaning beyond being a surname, and whether it looks and sounds like a typical surname. Visual styling can also play a role.
Because of this, influencers often face fewer issues when trademarking a full name rather than a last name alone. Adding a first name, a brand descriptor, or a distinctive logo can significantly improve the chances of approval.
The key is to think of your name not just as an identity, but as a brand asset that needs to stand out in the marketplace.
What to check before filing
Before trademarking your name, it is important to check whether similar names are already registered for similar products or services in the countries where you plan to operate. Even if a name is personal to you, existing trademarks can still block registration if there is a likelihood of confusion.
This is where many creators run into trouble. They invest in merchandise, packaging, or marketing, only to discover later that their name conflicts with an existing trademark.
Submitting your name for a trademark review before launching products can help identify these issues early and avoid costly rebranding or disputes. Additional guidance for effective brand protection as well as free lawyer’s check service can be found on Trama website.
