KISS frontman Paul Stanley has outlined the conditions under which tribute bands can use the iconic rock band’s trademarked personas and makeup designs. He made these comments during an appearance on Howie Mandel Does Stuff.
Stanley explained the band’s approach to licensing their trademarked personas to tribute acts. He also discussed the boundaries they maintain around commercial use.
“There are some KISS tributes that we’ve allowed to continue,” Stanley said. “It’s a matter of giving them the license to do it that can be revoked at any time, because all the makeups, all those personas are trademarked and nobody can use those for any purpose.”
The KISS co-founder emphasized that the band’s tolerance for tribute acts depends on their intentions and scale of operations.
“If it becomes big business, that goes beyond a tribute,” he continued. “Yes, it’s okay to make some money, but your heart has to be in the right place.”
Stanley’s comments highlight the careful balance KISS maintains between protecting their valuable intellectual property and supporting fan appreciation of their legacy.
The band’s strict approach to trademark protection stems from decades of building one of rock’s most recognizable brands. The UK Intellectual Property Office reported that KISS has licensed their name to over 3,000 different merchandise items ranging from makeup kits to comic books. This generates substantial revenue beyond record sales.
This extensive branding empire was built through rigorous protection of their intellectual property since the mid-1970s. Blabbermouth noted that the band’s makeup designs and personas have been trademarked assets that require official licensing for any commercial use.
The licensing strategy has proven highly successful for KISS throughout their career. Arrow Lords of Metal explained that this careful management of their image allows Stanley and his bandmates to maintain control over how KISS’s iconic personas are represented. It also ensures tributes honor the spirit of the band.
By establishing clear guidelines for tribute bands, KISS continues to protect both their commercial interests and artistic legacy. They allow genuine fan tributes to operate within defined parameters.
