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Can you copyright an ebook under a pen name?

by Charlotte8
6 replies
Hey, I've just finished writing an ebook. I know that as soon as you create something it is copyrighted to you.
However I don't want to use my real name. If I use a pen name on my copyright disclaimer at the start of my ebook - am I any less protected than if I used my real name?
Thanks.
#copyright #ebook #pen
  • Profile picture of the author zoldusta
    as long at the material is yours, you can use any name you like. but it's better to use your real name, so that you can claim and prove ownership of your product at any time.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by zoldusta View Post

      it's better to use your real name, so that you can claim and prove ownership of your product at any time.
      This is incorrect. In both the US and UK (and I think in other countries) copyrights can be offically registered either in the author's own name or in a pen-name (and there are spaces on the official forms, accordingly). The owner of the registration of the copyright can, in either case, prove that they're the registrant.
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  • Profile picture of the author figgity
    George Eliot. C.S. Forester. Ayn Rand. What do all these names have in common? They are pen names. If you DON'T want to put yourself out there and value your privacy, you SHOULD use a pen name. They are protected by copyright law. Another thing you could do, if you are worried is publish the book under your company's name.
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    If you are in the US, here is some great info:

    U.S. Copyright Office - Pseudonyms

    Maybe other countries have similar rules. I am not too sure.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    If this wasn't possible then a lot of authors would
    be in trouble. Also for the from you fill when you
    have publisher print your book, you'll have space
    for he legal name of the author and a space for
    the pen name (if any) for the author.

    So for sure this is common.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Inspired, Inc.
    Originally Posted by Charlotte8 View Post

    Hey, I've just finished writing an ebook. I know that as soon as you create something it is copyrighted to you.
    However I don't want to use my real name. If I use a pen name on my copyright disclaimer at the start of my ebook - am I any less protected than if I used my real name?
    Thanks.
    Yup, that is fine... but of course, it is best if you will try to check if someone has already been using the pen-name you want to use.... My name is a bit traditional and I had a problem publishing an ebook before coz someone has already published ALMOST the same topic under the pen-name that I used... what a coincidence, actually.... :rolleyes:
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