I want to name my music album: Soulcalibur, like the video game, Could "Soulcaliber" work? with an e? Should I seperate the words? Soul Caliber.
Also, I am naming my album this out of some sort of retaliation, Backstory: they named their new character in soulcalibur 6, AZWEL, which has been my band name for 15 years. Now, question 2, are they in the clear for using my name or do I have something legitimate against them?
Edit: i never copyrighted my band name formally, . I did register it on a band name registry but thats all. But Its been out there since the early 2000's. So now if you do a google search for me, all you see is the video game
First, this would not be a copyright issue. Your music (songs, compositions, sound recordings) is automatically protected under copyright laws as soon as it is fixed in tangible form (recorded).
After a brief search, the name you have been using for your band - Azwel - does not appear to be registered by anyone yet with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Although in the U.S. trademark rights to a name are gained through the use of the name in commerce as an identifier for goods or services - and you already have trademark rights in the name Azwel because you have used the name to identify your band and its music - you might want to consider federally registering your band's name. Federal registration of your trademark provides official notice that the name is being used and this increases the protection your mark has if someone infringes on your rights.
Now. Soul Caliber and Soulcalibur. Your use of either of these could be a problem. Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. has 7 federal trademark registrations, 5 for Soulcalbur and 2 for SoulCaliber. The trademarks are registered as both services and goods and in several different Classes - the Class most problematic for you being Entertainment.
You are not a computer or video game but you are in the entertainment business. I could see your use of Bandai Namco's registered marks drawing the attention of the Corporation's attorneys. You can have a trademark attorney in your area personally review all facts to see if any challenge by Bandai Namco could be successful - but I think this might not be a challenge you and your band want to take on.
For Bandai Namco's use of your Azwel trademark, you again would want to discuss this with a trademark attorney in your area. With neither the band name nor the character name registered, it could come down to first use of the name, if consumer confusion has been generated by the dual use of the name, and demonstrable damages (profits/losses). It no doubt would be a costly fight over the name.
Good luck.