Can I use a trademarked name in a title?

cindyl · 11-08-2009, 12:37 PM

I can't find this information on the internet and I know a lot of you have written ebooks.
Is there a law that says I can't use Ebay or Amazon or some other trademark name in the title of a book. Like "How to buy on Ebay" or "Make money Selling on Amazon"

I know there are plenty of books on those subjects, but I don't know if they have permission to use the name on their book

Thank you

dave147 · 11-08-2009, 12:58 PM

Hello Cindyl,
My post might help

Ebay Hunt

But this was for a domain and not a title

cindyl · 11-08-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks,I know you can't use Ebay in your domain name.
Some authors use "unofficial guide to" in their titles, but I still don't know if it's okay

winebuddy · 11-08-2009, 01:30 PM

if it's in the title of your book, you should be AOK. Just be sure and put a disclaimer that says they are not affiliated with you.

Guides and books come out all the time that have trademarked names in their titles -

Idiots Guide to Ebay
Ebay for Dummies
Google Cash
Windows for Dummies

This being said - I am not an attorney. Sounds as if you are asking a legal question and if so - consult one.

There is also the possibility of simply asking the Company if you can use their name in the title of a book. Shoot - send them a review copy and ask.

Scott Ames · 11-08-2009, 01:36 PM

I believe it to be ok.... I found this for you...

Trademark law also permits an author of a non-fiction work to include content that is favorable and/or critical of a trademark owner's products or services. In this type of work the author should only use the trademark to describe or identify the trademark owner's product or service and should be careful not to confuse the reader as to the actual provider of the trademark owner's products or services.

Source:

Fair Use of Trademarks

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, I don't even play one on TV. I saw an attorney once. He was nice. Results not typical.

cindyl · 11-08-2009, 02:35 PM

Thank you to all who replied.

I'm going to bookmark that page so I can refer to later.

Thanks for the example books.

This forum is awesome.

11-08-2009, 12:37 PM	#1
cindyl Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Can I use a trademarked name in a title? I can't find this information on the internet and I know a lot of you have written ebooks. Is there a law that says I can't use Ebay or Amazon or some other trademark name in the title of a book. Like "How to buy on Ebay" or "Make money Selling on Amazon" I know there are plenty of books on those subjects, but I don't know if they have permission to use the name on their book Thank you

11-08-2009, 12:58 PM	#2
dave147 Platinum Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: AU Posts: 2,729 Thanks: 475 Thanked 332 Times in 270 Posts	Re: Can I use a trademarked name in a title? Hello Cindyl, My post might help Ebay Hunt But this was for a domain and not a title
	How To Explode Your Online Income x 67 Times! You Are About to Experience the VIRAL EFFECT!!! Get Your Ad Sent to 250,000 People RIGHT HERE Who The Heck Else Wants 10,000 FREE Top Banner Impressions?

11-08-2009, 01:06 PM	#3
cindyl Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Can I use a trademarked name in a title? Thanks,I know you can't use Ebay in your domain name. Some authors use "unofficial guide to" in their titles, but I still don't know if it's okay

11-08-2009, 01:30 PM	#4
winebuddy I Make it Rain War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,979 Blog Entries: 10 Thanks: 537 Thanked 569 Times in 296 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: Can I use a trademarked name in a title? if it's in the title of your book, you should be AOK. Just be sure and put a disclaimer that says they are not affiliated with you. Guides and books come out all the time that have trademarked names in their titles - Idiots Guide to Ebay Ebay for Dummies Google Cash Windows for Dummies This being said - I am not an attorney. Sounds as if you are asking a legal question and if so - consult one. There is also the possibility of simply asking the Company if you can use their name in the title of a book. Shoot - send them a review copy and ask.
	sign up for ~good stuff~ \| $20k in 13 Days? \| HANDS FREE Income \| Page 1 in 15 Minutes? *"Knowledge is NOT power...ACTION on Knowledge is power"*

11-08-2009, 01:36 PM	#5
Scott Ames Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: West of Rockies Posts: 5,556 Thanks: 363 Thanked 665 Times in 325 Posts	Re: Can I use a trademarked name in a title? I believe it to be ok.... I found this for you... Trademark law also permits an author of a non-fiction work to include content that is favorable and/or critical of a trademark owner's products or services. In this type of work the author should only use the trademark to describe or identify the trademark owner's product or service and should be careful not to confuse the reader as to the actual provider of the trademark owner's products or services. Source: Fair Use of Trademarks Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, I don't even play one on TV. I saw an attorney once. He was nice. Results not typical.
	Action is the foundational key to all success. - Pablo Picasso

11-08-2009, 02:35 PM	#6
cindyl Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Can I use a trademarked name in a title? Thank you to all who replied. I'm going to bookmark that page so I can refer to later. Thanks for the example books. This forum is awesome.