Q. I read that the Supreme Court recently upheld Google’s trademark, although people universally use “Google” instead of “to search.” Also, I’ve heard that it isn’t legal to use trademarks in a book, yet I see them being used all the time. Can you explain? A. Yes, Google is litigating to prevent its trademark from … Continue reading Using Trademarks in Fiction
Q. May I use a trademarked word as the title of my novel? Also, I’ve heard that it isn’t legal to use trademarks in a book, yet I see them being used all the time. Can you explain? A. Let’s begin by defining terms. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a … Continue reading Q&A: Trademarks in Titles
Q. Can I legally protect my pen name, or the name of my mystery series? What about my web site? A. Many novelists use pen names or pseudonyms and many also have a “branded” series of mysteries, usually named after the chief character (e.g., Noreen Wald’s “Kate Kennedy South Florida Senior Sleuth” series.) What … Continue reading Q&A: Protection Pen Name or Series Name
[toc] Many authors market their services under a trade name or use websites to display, market and sell their work. Some novelists use pen names or pseudonyms. What all these writers have in common is the need to protect the goodwill and value of their most valuable asset: their business name. To accomplish this, writers … Continue reading Do You Need A Trademark?