I'm sorry but why do they need to change their name? There is already another group called The Family. Did they have to kiss Prince's ass, I mean, ask permission, too?

Here are some random names I thought of:

Family Name (that should piss someone off)
Crucifiction
Passion Play
Sister Panache
4ever Lovers
Antigone's Soiree
The Afterworld
The Lady & the Tramps
4NoCation
Soul Children
The Rise of Grace
Funk Congress
The Congregation
Red-Headed Step-Child
Candy Shack
Paris
Charade
Piety and Perseverance
Parasol
The Abduction of Helen
Follies de Bourgeois
Mistaken Identity
Masquarade Parade

tricky2 said:

Genesia said:

La Famille Noir

Vendetta1 said:

If you'd read the entries, your questions would be answered.

ernestsewell said:

no not really.

I would love if someone with some legal knowledge could explain how Prince ( or anyone) can "Own" a band name.

To my knowledge there are only 3 types of legal names: Trademarks, Servicemarks, and copyrights.

Copyright is for an artistic work (which I don't think a band qualifies as). Moreover, you CANNOT copyright a title, which is why so many songs have the same name.

So is it a trademark that Prince owns? If not, how does he actually "own" the name to the band???

And please don't bother replying saying "he created it blah blah blah," yes we all know that. My question is what is the legal basis for him being able to have control.

Zannaloaf said:

because they'e ALL references 2 the album WITHOUT using THE NAME.
UNLESS they call it either:

LPA (Little Punk Ass) or
NAPOLEON COMPLEXXX

GaryMF said:

I'm assuming that a band name is similar to an actors stage name. Once someone uses it, it's subject to similar copyright laws. Other bands have run into this same issue. Nirvana had to financially settle with a 1960's band so they could continue with their moniker. Dinosaur Jr was originally called Dinosaur until they received a cease and desist from a lawyer representing an obscure group.

ALL BULLSH*T ASIDE #2:

a)P is mad that Susannah got married (that 'ol "If I can't have U He can't Either"), and

b)Someone else gave more of a f**k about his side-projects than he did (?uestlove, who sparked this idea a few years ago)

I say.....BRING ON MAZARATI NEXT!!!!!

squirrelgrease said:

Indeed. I remember an obscure Country group called the Rubber Band suing Bootsy
back in tha day.....

woogiebear said:

And for their first album Wham had to go by Wham UK.

Nikademus said:

Th Faith Healers had to add a "UK" on their second LP, even though they didn't have the "e" in "The". I guess that wasn't enough of a change.

So Th Family wouldn't work.

woogiebear said:

Why reference an album they aren't releasing? It's 2009, and 1985. They're moving forward, not looking back.

woogiebear said:

Are you pulling these things out of thin air? That's ridiculous.

GaryMF said:

It's the same reason there aren't a bunch of bands called Earth Wind & Fire, The E Street Band, The Commodores. It's why The Jackson 5 became The Jacksons, then became Jacksons. Prince owns the rights to the name. He refuses to let them use the name. Ergo, they're trying to nail down a new one. He's a punkass.

The Family Jam


Obvious, but simple.

owns the name....?
just a quick google check

http://www.thefamily.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...anization)

let the lawsuits fly! lol

Didn't this group break up because Paul Petersen said F P? Susannah was yet another sore spot for him. Jellybean ran off with his former co-horts Jam & Lewis. Why would he give them his blessings & let them USE his group after they basically told him to fuck off. And they want it back. If I remember correctly the next time we seen Paul, he completely ripped off High Fashion with Rich Man or what ever the name of the song is. Let's be for real, I wouldn't have given this chum my blessings either. 2 purple hell wit'em! NOTHING COMPARES 2 PRINCE & they are really feeling it now.

The Godfather - you get both film noir and family concept

BEAUGARDE said:

Yall are some scary motherfuckers.

BEAUGARDE said:

OMG- you are so right. Once again Prince is blameless. I think the group broke up cause Prince lost interest in the project and left them sitting on their asses. How dare they want to do something other than sit around wait. and wait. and wait.

BEAUGARDE said:

Oh sweet Purple Zombie Jesus

Nikademus said:

I love "Formerlyknownas"'s suggestions; really cool (and original). Here's a few of mine:

St.Paul and the Pollywogs
Susannah's Sex Slaves
St. Paul and the Pooch Peddlers
L'Ecstasy
New Wave is Dead
Inventors of the Accu-Jack
C'est Bon!
3 Guys, A Girl and a Fencesitter
Le Resistance
Le Revoluccion
Sex by the Seine
Sexii Bouquet
Un Baiser
Facsist Karma
Tourists
St. Paul and the Pioneer Press
Silken Sophistry
What Silence Looks Like
Chasing Decadence
Funk Reverence
Death to Darwinism
Cacophonic Swallows
Phat Foot Soldiers of Funk
Terrifying
Tho Lovers Be Lost
Lust
The Consecrated
Sonic Sepia
Stronger Better Bigger
St. Paul's Punk-Ass Patrol
Tempting Tyrants
I, Desire
Peripatetic Percussive Pitch
Four Lumps, Please
Fruit of Divine
The Frightening Funk Fajitas
Ministers of Funk

(Yes, I had fun with this. Whatever name they choose, I'm looking forward to it. It can't be really any worse than "New Power Generation" compared to "The Revolution," right?)

benmorell76 said:

[Edited 7/16/09 6:39am]

BEAUGARDE said:

You are ridiculous.

squirrelgrease said:

In the Jefferson Airplane no one was named Jefferson and at the time they formed the band I doubt if anyone owned an Airplane. Ditto a Starship.

dollwoman said:

There were only 3 girls in Vanity 6. What's that about?

woogiebear said:

Maybe they could name the band "Prince's Exes" since everyone in the band is either an ex-girlfriend or and ex-friend. I bet they'll get much better press then they did as the Family and piss P off even MORE.

squirrelgrease said:

their twins
[Edited 7/17/09 4:06am]

You can't have beef with someone for 20 yrs and expect all to be forgiven because you want something from them. Paul left The Family high & dry. And just becuase you all want to see a reunion your expecting P to just give into Paul & Susannah.