Reviewed by Thomas Phung, Esq., trademark attorney · Part of our Industry & business guides guide
Short answer: Yes. A podcast or YouTube channel name can be registered as a trademark when it identifies an ongoing series, not just a single episode. Most creators file for entertainment services in Class 41, and add other classes as they expand into merchandise or downloadable content.
For creators building a real brand, a Twin Cities trademark attorney can help you lock down the name before sponsors, merch, and copycats arrive.
Why trademark your show name?
- Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts act faster on trademark complaints when you own a registration.
- Sponsors and networks want to know you own the name you are selling.
- Merch, live shows, and spin-offs all trade on the name.
Which classes should a podcast or channel file in?
- Class 41: entertainment services, such as an ongoing podcast or video series. This is the core filing for most creators.
- Class 9: downloadable audio or video recordings, if you sell or distribute downloads.
- Class 25: clothing, once you sell merch.
Each class has its own USPTO fee, so start with the class you actually use and add others as the business grows. See trademark classes explained.
What can get a show name refused?
- Title of a single work: the name of a single episode or one-off video cannot be registered. A series title can.
- Descriptive names: a name like “The Small Business Podcast” describes the content and is usually refused. See why trademark applications get rejected.
- Conflicts: an existing mark for similar entertainment services.
A Minnesota trademark lawyer will check all three before you file.
What counts as proof of use for a podcast?
A screenshot of the show’s page on a podcast platform or YouTube, showing the name used to identify the series and the episodes being offered, is the typical specimen. It must show the name as a brand, not just as a title in a list.
How a Twin Cities trademark lawyer protects creators
A Twin Cities trademark attorney can run a clearance search across the USPTO and the major platforms, pick the right classes, and handle the specimen and any office action. When a copycat channel appears, the same Twin Cities trademark lawyer can use your registration for platform takedowns.
Many creators wait until a sponsor asks who owns the name. A Minnesota trademark lawyer would rather you file first — a Twin Cities trademark attorney can usually tell you in one call whether your name is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Can I trademark the name of my podcast?
Yes, if the name identifies an ongoing series of episodes. Most podcasts register in Class 41 for entertainment services.
Can I trademark a single YouTube video title?
No. Titles of single creative works cannot be registered as trademarks. The name of an ongoing channel or series can be.
Do I need a Twin Cities trademark lawyer to trademark my channel name?
It is not required, but a Minnesota trademark lawyer can help you avoid descriptiveness refusals and choose the right classes for your show and merch.
Does owning a trademark help with YouTube impersonation complaints?
Yes. Platforms generally act faster on trademark complaints when you own a registration covering the name.
Building an audience? Protect the name before someone else monetizes it. Talk to a Twin Cities trademark lawyer at Twin Cities Trademarks — a Minnesota trademark lawyer team with flat fees — and book a free consultation with a Twin Cities trademark attorney by phone or video.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different — talk to a trademark attorney about yours.