Doomed to Repeat History

Remember Faleena Hopkins and #Cockygate?

You'd think other writers would have learned from that fiasco, but no, long-time author Christine Feehan tried to pull #Darkgate. She's since withdrawn her attempts to trademark that single word.

Seriously, people! If Ohio State University with all their money and lawyers can't trademark "the", what makes you think you can trademark a single fucking word to represent your series?

(For context if you don't watch football, folks from OSU like to refer to their alma mater as "THE Ohio State University.")

Nor can you trademark just a person's name in the U.S. That's why J.K. Rowling's series is now "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."

Christine blamed her attorney. Let's give her the benefit of the doubt for a moment. Speaking as an ex-attorney, if someone in the legal profession tries to talk you into trademarking a single world or a name, that person is looking dig their mitts deep into your bank account. Always, ALWAYS! get a second opinion. Tradmarks are expensive without the attorney fees.

So, rule of thumb is don't get a trademark unless you really need it. And question your attorney! If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.


**Note: I know I can't trademark "Bloodlines," "Justice," or "888-555-HERO." I need longer, more unique series' names. That doesn't mean that my friends and readers won't call you out if you steal my ideas.