Leonardo DiCaprio copyrighted his own name, does that mean no one else can have it?

Question

If someone with the last name DiCaprio wanted to name their son Leonardo, could he sue them? (It's well known that Mr. DiCaprio copyrighted his name in the late 90s.)

Was his reason for doing this to prevent other people from being called it, or for entirely other reasons?

Answer 1

It just prevents people from using his name to make money. A lot of stars do that. Besides, I dont think anyone would name their child that. There is only one Leonardo DiCaprio in this world! <3 Ah, I love him.

Answer 2

haha he did?!?! That's funny AND crazy!!!

Answer 3

It only prevents other people from using it as a means for making money.  If you started a store called Leonardo DiCaprio, he might be set up for a really really silly lawsuit.

Answer 4

Through the Screen Actor's Guild there can not be two actors with the same name. So technically many actors are in similar situations.

There cannot be another actor with the name Audrey Hepburn, or Demi Moore.

This is why you find actors like Michael J. Fox whose given name was already taken by someone in the past.  

Answer 5

He doesn't have a say in what you name your child. He can only keep you from using that name for "pecuniary gain"...i.e. you can't make money off that name.

Answer 6

Names and titles cannot be copyrighted in the US. Mr. DiCaprio may have trademarked his name, which is a very different thing. Registering a trademark means no one else can use his name for commercial purposes.

Answer 7

I'd like to see this little pansy get angry. When i have a kid, im changing my last name to DiCaprio and naming the kid Leonardo

Answer 8

yes.nobody can copy his freaking name.i don't even like himand his name either.