Are Trademarks and Copyrights the Same Thing? John Kremer answers a question.

Question from a Book Marketing Network member -- Is trademark and copyright the same thing? I have a unique idea for an inspirational series. Do I just copyright it or does it need a trademark as well?

John's Answer -- Trademark and copyright are not the same thing.

For a book series, you might want to trademark the series if you have a unique and brandable title for the series. E.g. Chicken Soup for the Soul, for Dummies series, etc.

Trademarks protect the brand.

Copyright protects the written expression of an idea (e.g., book, reports, article, etc.).