Can i copyright a pen name [FAQ]

Last updated : Aug 20, 2022

Is it legal to use a pen name?

Are pen names legal? Yes, an author can legally use a pen name or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name.

How do I prove I am my pen name?

1. Set up a checking account in your given name with a DBA (Doing Business As) in your pen name.
2. Trademark your pen name if you want to identify a body of work such as a book series or screenplays.
3. Apply through the court system in your state for a legal name change to use your pen name in place of your given name.

Can you use a pen name as an artist?

An artist can use two names or replace their name with a pseudonym. Artists usually use another identity to create a brand or signal a change in style. Artists also use a pseudonym if another artist has the same name, has a common name, or wants to hide their identity.

How much does it cost to copyright a pen name?

Yes, if you haven't written yet, you can still have a pen name. Does copyrighting something cost money? Yes, $35-$55 if you do it yourself or $250-$500 if you hire an attorney to help you.

Can you publish on Amazon with a pen name?

Yes, you can publish on Amazon with a pseudonym , to preserve your identity, for whatever reason. You can do the same thing on Nook, iBooks, Smashwords and Kobobooks.

Does a pen name have to be registered?

Legal Myth No. 1: Authors cannot register copyrights for creative work under a pen name. Copyrights protect whatever work a writer creates, automatically. While authors tend to use their legal names to register copyrights, authors can register a copyright under their pen names, or both if they like.

Do I need a DBA for a pen name?

You don't need a DBA for a pen name. You can buy a domain for a pen name and simply mask the site owner info (it costs more to do this, but not all that much). And with a domain, you can also set up email.

Can two artist have the same name?

Although technically there can be more than one artist with the same name, it is recommended that the name of an individual artist be unique from any other established artist. Having a unique artist's name eliminates confusion in the marketplace and gives an artist a clear brand to market their art.

How can I copyright my writing for free?

Simply go to the Registration Portal of the Copyright Office's website. It allows you to select the specific type of creative work you seek to register, with such choices as literary works, visual arts, photographs, or performance.

How long does a copyright last if you use a pseudonym?

For works created on or after January 1, 1978, the copyright in a pseudonymous work expires 95 years from the year of publication or 120 years from the year of creation, whichever is shorter.

How do I copyright a name?

Registering a trademark for a company name is pretty straightforward. Many businesses can file an application online in less than 90 minutes, without a lawyer's help. The simplest way to register is on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Web site, www.uspto.gov.

Can an author remain anonymous?

You can absolutely release a book anonymously or using a fake name known as a pen name. Many authors have done this for as long as books have been printed. Some reasons have changed over the decades as it is harder to keep the secret than in the past.

How many pen names can I have on Amazon?

Amazon will only let you have three pen names under one Author Central account. It isn't TERRIBLE to have multiple pen names (more on that below), but if you can keep things easy, DO. If you're writing books that are related or might have a larger crossover audience, then don't do a pen name.

Do I need to put my full name on Amazon?

Thank you for using the Amazon Seller Forums! You are not required to add the last name. It is pretty common for people to leave their last names off orders. Ultimately it's up to you but I would leave it be.

How do I keep my pen name secret?

1. Get A New Email.
2. Set Up Separate Social Media Profiles.
3. Purge Personal Photos.
4. Soft-Focus Your Bio.
5. Consider Copyright Issues.
6. Check Out DBAs And FBNs.
7. Limit Public Appearances.
8. QUESTION: Do you think pseudonyms are a good or bad idea for authors?

How do I register an alias name?

The registration filing is generally straightforward, asking for basic information on the assumed name to be used and the company holding the name. In most states, the assumed name will need to be available – that is, not already used by a registered entity in the state.

Can an author trademark their name?

Yes an authors name can be used as a trademark if the name is used on goods or services. For example if someone writes textbooks and provides workbooks and other products that go with the book, then the author could trademark the name.

Why do writers use fake names?

The definition of a pseudonym (or nom de plume in French) is a fake name used by a writer when writing and publishing their work in order to protect themselves or increase the chance of success.

Who is the richest author in the world?

FAQs on Richest Writers J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is the richest writer in the world with a net worth of $1 billion.

Why would an author use a pen name?

A pen name becomes a sort of shield, allowing the author to conceal his or her identity, shake off any pre-conceived notions, internal or external, and to write freely in the genre of his or her choice. As a general rule, most authors should publish under their legal, given name.

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Write a comment

a common question that people ask is do you have to file your submitted work under your real name can you use a stage name or a pen name the answer to this is yes just make sure that you check the appropriate box labeled synonymous at space 2 of your registration form also make sure that you have documented evidence to prove that you are in fact the individual that goes with your chosen stage name or pen name otherwise filing under that name would be worthless and stupid

Thanks for your comment Suzanna Ducey, have a nice day.
- Abdul Macauley, Staff Member

in this video I'm going to explain some of the basics about working under pen names stay tuned Maurice asks do you know if there are any rules for using a pen name when writing a screenplay when you're hired to write a screenplay for a producer do you sign the contract with your real name and signature or your pen name and pen name signature and Danny says he wants to publish a story under a pseudonym but wonders how to do the copyright paperwork in a way that his real name remains concealed even in the case of litigation well most of the time writing and being credited under a pen name is simply handled by specifying the way credit should be given usually the contracts are made out in the writers legal name sometimes we do include reference to the pen name in the opening paragraph of the contract by specifying both legal name and that professionally known as pka for example if I was writing under a different name the contract might say this agreement is made and by in between gigantic productions and Gordon fire Marc pka William writes a lot then in the section of the contract that deals with the credits we'd be specific about how credit should read for example credit shall be accorded to you under the name of William writes a lot now the rules about choosing pen names are pretty straightforward you can't choose a pen name that would cause confusion with another writer that would be unfair and could lead to claims that you violated the other writers provide a publicity if it's his or her real name also if you're a member of the Writers Guild that Union has specific rules about using pseudonyms basically the writer has to establish and register to pseudonym with the Union before starting work on a writing assignment or selling rights in a script when you register a copyright you do have the option to check a box indicating that the work is pseudonymous if you write under a pseudonym and don't want to have your identity revealed in the copyright offices records just give your pseudonym and identify it as such by checking the box and leave the space for the name of the author blank if an author's name is given on the form it will become part of the offices public records and can't later be removed when you register you still do have to provide an address so people can contact you as the copyright owner but you can use an agent or Attorney's address or a PEO box for that kind of thing to help conceal your identity but even if you register pseudonymous Li if a film gets made based on your screenplay and you get paid for the script your legal name will be on the contract so it will come out in the discovery process if there's ever a lawsuit where that information becomes relevant do you like what you see here if so please subscribe using the button below and if you have a question you'd like answered on this series please go over to fire marcom slash questions and fill out the form

Thanks zhorotechO your participation is very much appreciated
- Abdul Macauley

About the author

Abdul Macauley

I've studied language education at Carroll College in Helena and I am an expert in entrepreneurship. I usually feel enraged. My previous job was radio & tv newscaster I held this position for 19 years, I love talking about beach volleyball and ice sailing. Huge fan of Jamal Murray I practice bowls and collect numismatics.