Author & Book Trademarks

Trademark Lawyer for Authors & Book Series

Protect Your Pen Name, Series Title, & Author Brand

You wrote the books. You built the world. You created the characters that readers come back to. Now it's time to make sure no one else can profit from what you've built.

At Katie Charleston Law, PC we help authors, self-published writers, and publishing entrepreneurs secure trademark rights for the names and brands that define their creative careers, from standalone pen names to multi-book series that have taken on a life of their own.

Connect with us online or give us a call at (463) 363-0211 to get started.

Your Author Brand Is More Than a Name on a Cover

Your pen name, your series title, your character names, your book-world brand are commercial identifiers. They tell readers, retailers, agents, and licensors exactly who they're dealing with. Without federal trademark protection, they're wide open for misuse.

We've seen authors face situations they never anticipated:

A similar series title launches and confuses readers
Someone else files a trademark on a name they've been using for years
A publishing deal, adaptation inquiry, or licensing opportunity stalls because IP rights aren't clearly established
Merchandise or a spinoff gets complicated because the brand was never legally locked in

The more successful your work becomes, the more your brand is worth and the more important it is that you own it.

What We Can Trademark for Authors

We help authors secure trademark rights across a range of brand assets, including:

Pen Names & Author Names
Your name is the anchor of your platform. Trademarking it means you have exclusive rights to use it commercially + the legal standing to stop others from trading on your reputation.

Series Titles
A book series title that spans multiple volumes, builds a readership, and carries a distinctive identity can qualify for trademark protection. We assess your series and help you pursue registration the right way.

Character Names & World Names
Iconic characters and fictional universes can carry significant commercial value. When they become associated with merchandise, adaptations, or brand extensions, protecting those names becomes a strategic priority.

Imprint & Publishing Brand Names
If you've established your own imprint or publishing identity, that brand deserves the same protection you'd give any business.

Courses, Programs, & Educational Content Brands
Authors who teach through online courses, masterminds, or workshops have brand names attached to those offerings that warrant their own trademark protection.

Our Trademark Services for Authors

Comprehensive Trademark Searches

Before we file anything, we conduct thorough clearance searches to identify potential conflicts, assess your risk, and evaluate your likelihood of success at the USPTO.

Federal Trademark Registration

We handle the full filing process from start to finish, including:

Identifying the right trademark classes for your specific author brand and business activities
Drafting strong, legally sound descriptions
Managing USPTO communications and Office Action responses if issues arise
Building a portfolio strategy if you have multiple assets to protect

Ongoing Brand Monitoring & Enforcement

Trademark registration is the beginning, not the end. We help you understand your maintenance obligations, monitor for infringement, and act when someone steps on your rights, whether that means a cease-and-desist letter, a platform complaint, or escalating to litigation.

The Best Time to Trademark Is Before You Need It

We hear the same thing from authors who come to us after a problem arises:

"I thought I'd deal with this when I got bigger."

Here's what we know: trademark rights are time-sensitive. Priority goes to who files first, not who's been using the name longest. The further along you are in building your brand without registration, the more expensive and complicated it can become to fix.

If you're actively publishing, building a readership, or preparing for growth (courses, merchandise, foreign rights, adaptations, speaking), now is exactly the time to have this conversation.

We make the process clear, strategic, and built around your goals as a creator.

Author Trademark Mistakes We Help You Avoid

Assuming copyright registration covers the brand (it doesn't)
Waiting until a conflict forces a rebranding
Filing in the wrong trademark class and leaving gaps in protection
Trademarking only the logo but not the name, or vice versa
Not planning for merchandise, courses, or brand extensions
Using a self-filing service that doesn't think strategically about your long-term brand

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Five-Star Client Reviews

In their Own Words

Our highest priority is providing top-notch representation for our clients, and it shows in our reviews. Read through some below, or call us at (463) 363-0211 today to get started.

"I would highly recommend Katie to other potential clients."
Attorney Katie Charleston examined a copyright issue that I raised regarding a future book to be published. She did an excellent job. Her advisory letter was clear, concise, and covered the issues well. I would highly recommend Katie to other potential

- Dane S.
"A Great Communicator"
Katie was very professional throughout this process and was very responsive throughout all of our correspondence. She always answered all of our questions and is a great communicator!!!!!

- Tyeisha B.
"They Really Know Their Stuff"
Katie and Hannah are absolutely marvelous to chat with and really know their stuff. If someone is infringing on your trademark rights, this is who you want in your corner. Cheers!

- Peter Q.
"It Meant So Much to Me"
I started a new media platform and it did not goes as planned. They definitely kept checking up on me to ensure they were there when I was ready. 100% customer service. Her follow-up meant a lot to me.

- Tara S.
"Couldn't Be Happier"
Katie was so helpful when it came to our family trust. She spent a lot of time with us and never hurried the process. We could not be happier with the service from her and her staff.

- Steve M.
"Professional and Timely"
Katie prepared an update to an existing trust, plus provided additional documents, such as a financial power of attorney that the previous lawyer had not done. She did a very professional job, and a timely one.

- Barbara C.
"Personable & Extremely Thorough"
When we created our business, Katie was able to work with our crazy schedules with zoom calls and in-person meetings. She is personable, articulate, and extremely thorough and I trust her.

- Goldwood Studios
"She Gave Me Peace of Mind"
I wanted to have peace of mind when hiring someone I had never worked with before, and Katie provided that. She was professional, thorough, meticulous, and made sure I had all of my risks covered in the agreement.

- Tim S.

View More Reviews

Ready to Protect Your Author Brand? Contact Katie Charleston Law, PC.

Your stories deserve more than copyright. They deserve a legal foundation that grows with your career.

Schedule a consultation with Katie Charleston Law, PC and let's talk about what trademark protection looks like for your name, your series, and the brand you're building.

Call us at (463) 363-0211 or contact us online to get started. Our consultation rate is $250 for 30 minutes.

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Contact Us Today

Get Experience On Your side

Call (463) 363-0211 or fill out the form below to get started with a consultation.

Consultation rate is $250 for 30 minutes.

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We Research Thoroughly

Detail-oriented, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of favorable outcomes for our clients--and often find information you didn't know you needed.
Simplifying the Process

We explain legal concepts in plain language, guide our clients through each step of the process, and handle the details so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Comprehensive Approach

With holistic service from beginning to end, we stick with our clients through the lifetime of your assets, including litigation if necessary.
Responsive & Reachable

We prioritize timely communcation; our team is responsive and accessible, and you'll never be left wondering where your case stands.