Amazon KDP: Trademark and Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid

Checking for trademarks and avoiding keyword research errors are crucial steps when publishing on Amazon KDP. This article guides you through trademark checks and common mistakes to safeguard your account and maximize sales.

How to Check for Trademarks on Amazon KDP

Using a trademarked keyword can lead to legal issues. Therefore, checking for trademarks before publishing is vital. Here’s how:

Using the USPTO Website

1. Visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website: uspto.gov.
2. Search for “Trademarks.”
3. Select “Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS).”
4. Use the “Basic Word Mark Search” function.
5. Enter the keyword you want to check in the search box.

Analyzing Search Results

• No results: Ideally, no results are found, meaning the keyword isn’t trademarked.
• Results found: Check the trademark status:
  • “Live”: The trademark is active and protected. Further analysis is needed.
  • “Dead”: The trademark is no longer protected.
• Check “Goods and Services”: Determine the product category the trademark covers. If it applies only to a specific category (e.g., dietary supplements) but not books, you might be able to use it. However, exercise caution as the trademark owner could expand protection to books later.

Note: Trademark checks are for informational purposes only. Consult an intellectual property lawyer when in doubt.

Keyword Research Mistakes to Avoid

Besides trademark checks, avoid these keyword research errors:

Copying Popular Book Titles

Even if a phrase isn’t trademarked, copying a popular book title can lead to negative reactions from readers and the original author. For example, “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” isn’t trademarked but is strongly associated with a famous book. Using this title could confuse readers and devalue your book.

Using Author Names Similar to Famous Authors

Similarly, using a pen name similar to a famous author can be considered deceptive and mislead readers.

Conclusion

Checking for trademarks and avoiding keyword research mistakes are essential for protecting your Amazon KDP account and building credibility with readers. Prioritize transparency and originality when choosing keywords and titles for your books. Thorough research will help you avoid legal issues and maximize your success on Amazon KDP.