Book Titles can often qualify for trademark protection. Also, trademarking a book title is the best way to protect it. So, it is important to know when and how you can trademark a book title.
By Michael Kondoudis, Small Business Trademark Attorney
This is our EASY guide to trademarking a book title.
in this guide, we explore protecting book titles with trademarks, spell out the requirements to trademark a book title, and explain how to trademark a book title.
In fact, this is the information that we use to register book title trademarks for our clients.
So, if you’re ready to learn about protecting book titles with trademarks, then read on. This guide is for you.
Let’s dive in!
Trademark Reg. No. 6,725,825 for the book series NAPPTURLY CUTE CHRONICLES secured by The Law Office of Michael E. Kondoudis
Trademark Reg. No. 6,725,825 secured by The Law Office of Michael E. Kondoudis
I. PROTECTING BOOK TITLES
Can You Legally Protect a Book Title?
Yes, in many circumstances, you can legally protect a book title. For example, when the title is used for a series of books, it can qualify for federal trademark registration.
Here is the rule:
While an individual book title cannot be trademarked, the name of a series of books can be trademarked. This is because the name of a series of books is considered a brand. So, while you cannot trademark the name of a single book, you can trademark a series of books.
This means that the name of a specific series can be protected under trademark law, but not just one book title on its own.
The Difference Between Trademarking a Single Book and a Series?
The main difference between trademarking a book title and a book series is that while you can’t trademark individual book titles, you can trademark the title for a series of books since it serves the role of a brand. Here are some key points to understand the difference:
Trademarking a Book Title
- Generally, you cannot trademark the name of a stand-alone book title.
- The USPTO does not consider a the title of a single book title to be a brand.
- To qualify for a trademark, a book title must be distinctive, unique, and not too similar to an existing trademark.
Trademarking a Book Series
- You can trademark the title for a series of books since it serves the role of a brand.
- A book series is considered a “brand” by the USPTO, and they are more willing to grant trademark rights to a series.
- To trademark a book series, you must provide evidence that the series is not just a collection of stand-alone books but an underlying brand.
- The trademark for a book series must be used as a source identifier for the actual series, which can be distinguished from the individual book titles within the series.
In summary, while you can’t trademark individual book titles, you can trademark the title for a series of books since it serves the role of a brand.
Can You Trademark a Book Title?
The answer is YES, in some circumstances. You can trademark a book name, and many names of books are trademarked! Trademarking the title of your book is the most effective way to protect it and the brand identity you’re building. The book name must be part of a series, however.
Titles such as J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia have been successfully trademarked. to protect their respective authors’ rights over the books in their respective series.
How Do I Protect My Book Title?
You protect your book title by trademarking it. Trademarking a book title is the best way to protect it. A trademark will protect your book name throughout the U.S. and ensure that it is exclusively yours to use.
You trademark a book title by submitting an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To qualify for a U.S. trademark for your book title, you will need to show that no one else has already trademarked it and that it is the title or name of a series of books (see below). The USPTO will not register the title of a single book.
Want help with your book trademark?
What is the Best Way to Protect a Book Title?
The best way to protect a book title is to trademark it. Trademarks protect brands, including the titles of a series of books. Trademarking your book name is the most effective way to protect it because a trademark prevents other authors from using the same or similar name for their books.
Also, trademarking your book title is official confirmation from the U.S. Government that you legally own it and comes with the exclusive right to use it.
II. TRADEMARK A BOOK TITLE
Where Do You Trademark a Book Title?
You trademark a boot title by filing an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO is part of the Department of Commerce and it is the federal agency that administers federal trademarks.
When Should You Trademark a Book Title?
Most authorities agree that the best time to start the process of trademarking a book title is BEFORE publication.
The U.S. is one of the few countries that allow you to apply to protect your book titles before you begin using them. Trademarking early is an opportunity to:
• reserve a book title and avoid having to change your name later
• confirm that your book title does not infringe on another book series with a registered trademark
• complete an important branding task before publication.
How Long Does It Take to Trademark a Book Title?
It takes over 12 months to get a book trademark in most cases. The trademarking process for book names is a legal process that takes about a year. The first step is applying to the USPTO, where an examining attorney examines whether your book title name qualifies for registration. Your book title may not qualify if another restaurant is already using it or has registered it. If the application qualifies, it will be “published for opposition” for 30 days to give potential opponents a chance to oppose.
Trademarking a book title is a legal process that usually takes more than 12 months. So, the sooner you start trademarking your book name, the better.
What Are the Requirements to Trademark a Book Title?
While it may come as a surprise, you can’t actually trademark the title of a single book. However, you can indeed trademark the name of a series of books. This is because trademarks serve as identifiers of goods and services, and a book title for a single book doesn’t fulfill that function.
1. Your book title must be unique: To qualify for a U.S. trademark on your book series title, you must confirm that no one else has already trademarked it. You can do this by conducting a thorough search via the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Learn how to do a trademark lookup here.
2. You must at least plan to use the book title for a series of works: The USPTO won’t register your title if it’s only used as the title of a single creative work. However, if your trademark is the name or title of a series of creative works, it may register. To complete the registration process, you will eventually need to provide evidence that shows the title is being used for a series.
3. You need to submit your application: Once you have determined that your title is original and available, file an application with the USPTO. You will have to provide the necessary information, supporting documents, and pay a fee.
We make trademarks easy!
How Do You Trademark A Book Title?
You trademark the title of a book by applying to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and getting your application approved for registration. Trademarking a book title is a legal process.
Here’s how to start trademarking a book title:
Step 1: Choose a Unique Name
Your book series title should be unique and distinctive to set it apart from others. If your title is too close to another registered trademark, you will not be able to trademark it. Read more about how to pick a strong trademark here.
Step 2: Conduct a Trademark Search
Before applying for a trademark, do your due diligence and check if anyone else has registered or applied to register a similar name and logo. You can conduct a search through the USPTO’s trademark database to avoid any potential conflicts.
Step 3: Gather Required Information and Strategize
Collect all the necessary information, including your book series title, logo, and descriptions of the goods and services you provide. Develop a trademarking strategy that takes into account your target market, budget, and potential challenges. This step will help you streamline the trademarking process and increase the chances of approval.
Step 4: Prepare and File Your Application with the USPTO
Once you have all the required information, prepare your trademark application, and file it with the USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office). Ensure that the application is filled out correctly and follows the USPTO’s guidelines. You can apply either online or by mail.
Step 5: Navigate the Application Review Process
The USPTO application review process takes several months and requires patience. During this time, the USPTO will examine your application, and if it meets all requirements of the Federal Trademark Statute, it will be granted. However, if the USPTO does not initially grant your application (which happens over 80% of the time), you’ll need to respond to the reasons for the rejection and make necessary adjustments.
Step 6: Use the Correct Trademark Symbol
Once your book series title trademark is registered, don’t forget to use the appropriate trademark symbol (®) on your books, marketing materials, and website. This symbol represents your registered trademark and informs others that the title is legally protected. Read more about trademark symbols here.
The USPTO will grant your application and add your trademark to the list of Federal (registered) trademarks IF your application meets all of the requirements of the Federal Trademark Statute. If the USPTO does not initially grant your application (which happens over 80% of the time), you would need to respond to the reasons for the rejection.
What is the Trademark Class for Books?
The USPTO categorizes all products and services into 45 separate classes. There are two primary classes for books: International Classes 9 and 16. Class 9 is for downloadable books (e.g., kindle), while Class 16 is for paper goods, like printed books. An application to register the title or name of a series of books should be filed in those trademark classes.
The trademark classes for books are International Classes 9 and 16.
III. DO YOU NEED A LAWYER?
Do You Need a Trademark Attorney to Protect a Book Title?
No, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office strongly recommends that all applicants work with a trademark attorney.
Remember, the trademarking process is much more than just filling out online forms (that’s the easiest part of the process). The USPTO will only grant your application after meeting all of their many legal and procedural requirements.
Why Should You Work With a Trademark Attorney?
Filing a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to register your book title starts a legal process that can get complicated, expensive and confusing. Working with a trademark attorney can make the process go smoother, faster, and result in better protection.
Also, studies show that working with a trademark attorney can increase your chances of successfully trademarking your brand by over 50%.
Take the Next Step and Legally
Own Your Book Title!
Schedule a Free Strategy Call
Take the Next Step Legally Own Your Book Title!
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For more than twenty years, Michael Kondoudis has been the go-to trademarking expert for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Michael is a USPTO-licensed trademark and patent attorney, educator, speaker, and author of the Amazon best-seller: Going From Business Owner to Brand Owner. He is also an authority trusted by national news media on major trademark stories.
Fun Facts: Michael is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and an actual rocket scientist (B.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, Indiana University 1994).