“It’s essential to protect your band’s name. We’ve seen cases where bands in different countries had the same name, and we wanted to avoid that situation.”
— Toni Bastida, WAKAME
Why should bands protect their names?
Do you need to register your band name in your own country or internationally? Have you heard about Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) but aren’t sure how they work? How do bands manage their rights on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music?
To answer these questions, we spoke with the band WAKAME, who bring not only powerful rock-pop sounds but also a strong awareness of intellectual property (IP). The band was formed in Murcia, Spain, in early 2022 and consists of Toni Bastida (vocals), Lolo Walls (lead guitar), Álvaro Sánchez (bass), and Lex Serrano (drums). Drawing inspiration from bands like Placebo, Interpol, and The Killers, they combine intense rock energy with catchy pop melodies.
At the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, we’ve followed their journey since 2019, when they first reached out to us as Funicular. Let’s dive into their story.
Why did you register your band name back in 2019?
Toni: In 2019, we were performing under the name Funicular. One of our friends who works with the Helpdesk recommended we get in touch, especially since we admire bands like The Killers, Vetusta Morla, and Placebo—bands that have all protected their names. Inspired by Vetusta Morla’s example, we registered our trade mark in Spain under Class 41, which covers entertainment services like music performances.
Now, with our new name WAKAME, we’ve taken the same steps and consulted the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk regarding our IP rights. After talking with the IP expert, we have decided to protect our new band’s name as a trade mark as we did in 2019. We have already applied for it at the Spanish IP Office (OEPM).
How does IP protection benefit a music band?
Toni: Having trade mark protection gives us peace of mind. We can focus on making music without worrying about name conflicts. Knowing that WAKAME is legally ours lets us develop our vision freely.
Álvaro: Regarding copyright, we’ve registered our songs with SGAE, Spain’s main collective management organisation for songwriters and composers.
Toni: We upload our tracks gradually so our catalogue stays current. Bands need to understand that music publishers are crucial—they work with collecting societies to ensure you receive royalties. Without a publisher, I could not sit and relax.
Álvaro: We understand SGAE also handles rights management internationally through their network of partner organisations. Which means our rights are looked after in other countries, including Latin America, where we hope to grow our presence.
You are right. And, by the way, SGAE is also located in places such as Argentina, Cuba, and Brazil.
Regarding Spotify and other music platforms. How do those fit into the picture? Who uploads music and collects revenues?
Toni: We work with music distributors—companies that help artists get their music onto platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. They manage our metadata, labelling, and royalties, making sure our catalogue is always up to date.
What advice would you give to emerging bands? Any plans for Latin America?
Toni: I’d strongly recommend that new bands register their band name as a trade mark—at least in their own country. It’s a simple yet powerful step to avoid legal issues down the line. In the past, we have seen bands from different countries carry the same name, and we did not want this to happen to us.
Álvaro: While we haven’t toured Latin America yet, we’ve already spoken with the Helpdesk to understand what we’ll need IP-wise when that time comes. I’ve visited a few countries in the region and would love to explore opportunities there.
That’s great to hear. It reminds us of the famous case of Nirvana—not the grunge band, but the lesser-known psychedelic pop group from the 70s.
Álvaro: (laughs) We’ll have to check them out. Luckily, there’s only one WAKAME.
Where can people find you?
Toni: We’re currently touring across Spain promoting our upcoming album Efecto 2000, which is set to release in 2025. Just two weeks ago, we launched our latest single, En el jodido descuento.
World IP Day 2025
This article is part of the WIPO World Intellectual Property Day 2025 celebrations. This year’s theme explores how IP rights and innovation policies empower musicians and creators, ensuring their work is protected and rewarded. IP is the backbone of a thriving music scene, supporting those who bring us the sounds that move us.
Join us for the #WorldIPDay on April 26 to celebrate the creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of music.
Contact Us
If you need guidance on IP issues in Latin America, the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk offers expert, free-of-charge support. Book a meeting with one of our specialists today!
Details
- Publication date
- 16 April 2025
- Author
- European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency