Trademark guidelines for authors and publishers
Don't use trademarks you don't own in titles, covers, or metadata. Here's how to avoid trademark problems that get books rejected or removed.
Last updated 2026-06-15
Using a trademark you do not own in your title, cover, or metadata can get a book rejected or removed — and expose you to legal risk. A few simple rules keep you safe.
The basics
- Do not put brand names (companies, products, other people's series names, franchises) in your title, subtitle, or keywords to ride their popularity.
- Do not imply endorsement by a brand or famous person you are not affiliated with.
- Do not copy another author's series name or trade dress (cover style designed to confuse readers).
What's usually fine
- Nominative reference — mentioning a brand factually inside the text where genuinely relevant (for example a non-fiction book that discusses a real company) is generally acceptable, but keep it factual and out of the title/keywords.
If you own the mark
If it is your trademark, you are free to use it — keep proof, as we may ask for rights verification.
When in doubt, leave it out. See also content that's not allowed.
Still need help? Open a ticket from your dashboard or email [email protected] — a real person replies.
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