It seems as though I MISTAKENLY have taken the same name as a well known porn star (not well known to me obviously) and now there are some possible legal issues. I am being forced to start all over with a different name, website, you name it. Does this kind of thing happen often? I'm not exactly sure how to resolve this whole mess. Any advice?

-- Modified on 7/3/2010 1:57:44 AM

Hey girl ...I'm Joselyn Pink.. i've been a pornstar for 8yrs and I know Ava ...she's a sweet lady, but yes, taking someone else's name is a no-no ..especially if it's TM-ed and then there are legal issues...  I understand that you are probably pretty new and had no clue there was already a veteran 'Ava Devine" and didn't mean to, and you are innocent! ...so I know it's a pain in the ass, but all you have to do is come up with another name and switch everything over..You're stuck...but you're not the only one this has happened to!! .. you really have no choice sweetie!  I hope this helps!

If you ever want to talk or hang out... my contact info is below.

Joselyn Pink
Adult Film Star 8yrs
[email protected]
(702) 785-2237 -text or leave msg.




-- Modified on 7/3/2010 7:30:14 AM

To get a little more direction, you might want to post this question on the Legal Corner Board.
Look to the left, it's listed above the regional board. I believe Ava, the porn star, is taking some time off from the biz right now, if she gets back in the biz, she will in all likelihood have her legal beagles serve you with papers, if they have not already. BTW, I did point this fact out to you in an earlier thread in June.
The relatively easy part will be to change your name on TER, just contact adm, but your web site and any other web presence will also have to changed. Good luck

"I am being forced to start all over with a different name, website, you name it."

You are not really being forced to start all over again, but it certainly would be the best thing given the circumstances. If someone searches for the name they will get the link below. This is not good for you.

You want name and brand recognition that is all your own. It is quite easy to change right now with only 3-4 reviews. Besides what ever new stage name you come up with, asking for TER to change the name and keep your profile, giving them the circumstances is normally not an issue.

Regarding your website, that is easy as pie as well. "Just do it" it will save you a lot of headaches later on. Hope to it now and nobody and nothing will be the wiser. It's early in your business.

One more thing, when you choose a new name, perform a search for the name on Google, Yahoo and here on TER.  Hopefully this will help you out.

Her name is her brand and she owns it legally.

You were told this many times in other post of yours.

The best thing for you is to just move on, the smart thing to do is chose a name and google it before you purchase it or have your name changed anywhere.

As far as the website goes you can keep your hosting and just change your domain name for fairly cheap. Then all you have to do is change your name on your site. Not starting over from scratch just a name change simple and no one will hate you for it, or think you are running from anything.

is a $33.00 a month template site (too expensive to my mind but what the Hell)...

It's a damn template.
Go into your admin panel type new name, not really a harrowing process.
Buy a new domain name...(though that site probably overcharges for that as well).

Write to The Powers That Be at TER change username.

Not really all that much of a pain to keep from getting sued for trademark infringement.

Hardest part will be picking a new name and googling it to make sure no one else famous is using it.

It happens all the time. The only difference between what is happening to you and what has happened with other ladies who have made the same mistake is:

As soon as they were made aware of the problem....they IMMEDIATELY changed their name.....usually with an apology to the original lady, and were really humble about it.....usually they are new and want to start off on the right foot....and they have to be nice to other providers bc they realize they may NEVER know which one of us they may need to call for help.....or who we may adore from afar....or how long our memories may last.

I can't remember any of the ladies who have made this error feeling as if they had to change their name ONLY because they may face legal action.

we could have a contest to find you a good marketable persona.....my industry name would be "Rocky Winchester"...first pet & first street. If you had a bunny as a kid maybe you could be "Fluffy Elm".....get the idea?

possibly a stupid question but...

Couldn't you just make a small change to the spelling? Say 'Ayva' or "Divine"?

Would seem to be less of a hassle than a complete name change.

No, I will feel like I am still living in the shadow of the original "Ava Devine" and although she apparently is a legend, I would prefer to start over with an entirely new name. I do apologize for any confusion or inconvenience, and would like to thank you all for the advice, needless to say I feel a little dumb (OK alot dumb lol) but I am working on the changes now. Should be cleared up by Monday.