How to check trademarks before you publish a KDP book
Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 5 min read
A word in your title or keywords can be someone's registered trademark. Using it can get a book blocked, and repeated problems can put your account at risk. A two-minute check before publishing avoids that.
Why it matters on KDP
Amazon removes listings when a rights owner complains, and its content guidelines tell publishers not to use trademarks they have no right to. Common surprises are everyday-looking words and phrases that turn out to be registered for books or printed matter.
How to read a trademark record
- Status: a "live" record (registered or pending) is the one to worry about; a "dead" one has been abandoned or cancelled.
- Goods and services: a mark is registered for specific kinds of products. Pay most attention to marks covering books, printed matter, journals or educational material.
- Owner: who holds it, so you can see whether it is a big brand that actively enforces it.
A quick check for every book
- List the distinctive words in your title, subtitle, series name and keywords.
- Search each one, and each short phrase, in the official trademark register of the store's country.
- Look at live records that cover books or printed matter.
- When in doubt, choose different wording or ask a qualified trademark professional.
Search the US register in one place
BookIntel's Trademark Checker searches the United States trademark register and shows status and goods and services for every record. It is a screening aid, not legal advice.
Try it on your next book
Trademark Checker is part of BookIntel. Your first search is free, no card needed.
Check a phrase with Trademark Checker