Gene Simmons recently discussed KISS’s billion-dollar sale and the unique trademark protection of the band’s iconic makeup. He shared details in an interview with Mark J Kohler.
The KISS frontman explained the band’s recent business deal. He also discussed what sets KISS apart from other musical acts in terms of intellectual property.
“I’m a lucky guy I found a guy named Paul Stanley over 50 years ago and we just sold KISS the band to an amazing company called Pop House for a billion dollars,” Simmons said.
He emphasized the unique nature of KISS’s trademark protections compared to other artists.
“Almost all other acts only have a library,” he continued. “There’re only songs. If you buy Springsteen, you’re just getting the songs because his face is public domain. We are the only ones whose faces are like Disney without the overhead.”
Simmons then issued a warning about unauthorized use of the band’s trademarked makeup designs.
“You can’t use our face makeup without me taking your first born when I sue you,” he stated. “So they bought the makeup, the trademark in the Library of Congress. It’s the only musical act whose faces have been trademarked.”
The sale to Pop House represents one of the largest deals in rock music history. KISS’s trademark protections were a key factor in the valuation.
Simmons’ claims about KISS’s unique trademark status reflect decades of careful brand protection. This protection began with the band’s early recognition of their visual identity’s commercial value.
Ultimate Guitar reported that the four original makeup designs—the Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman—have been officially registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office. Ownership and licensing rights are solely held by Simmons and Stanley. This legal framework ensures tight control over their use and prevents unauthorized reproduction.
The iconic makeup’s origin story adds an interesting dimension to its current billion-dollar value. Loudwire revealed that the band members discovered theatrical makeup and costumes backstage before a show. They decided to adopt the look spontaneously, which then became their signature style. What started as an impromptu decision evolved into one of rock music’s most recognizable visual brands.
This strong intellectual property foundation has enabled KISS to build a vast merchandising empire that extends far beyond music. Jeffrey O’Brien noted that the band’s trademark protections have fueled a merchandising operation unmatched by other musical artists. The operation spans everything from apparel to collectibles and generates substantial revenue streams independent of their musical catalog.
The Pop House acquisition represents the culmination of KISS’s strategic approach to brand ownership. Their trademarked makeup designs serve as a cornerstone of the deal’s unprecedented valuation in the music industry.
