writing/selling "for dummies" ebooks

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by calico jonez, Oct 21, 2009.

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  1. #1
    Would it be illegal if I wrote my own "for dummies" ebook and sold it?
    i would be using their logo or anything

    just the site name and ebook name would include 'for dummies'
     
    calico jonez, Oct 21, 2009 IP
  2. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #2
    Wiley Publishing, Inc. owns the trademark "for dummies" and they are very aggressive in taking action against people who use it. The use, even without their logo, is asking for legal action.
     
    mjewel, Oct 21, 2009 IP
  3. SmallPotatoes

    SmallPotatoes Peon

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    #3
    In fact, you can expect to be sued just for posting that question.
     
    SmallPotatoes, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  4. calico jonez

    calico jonez Peon

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    #4
    how can you get sued just for asking a question :) :)

    is there any way i can get permission to use their trademark
     
    calico jonez, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  5. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #5

    It's highly unlikely they would grant you permission to use their mark - certainly not without reviewing your ebook and requiring you to pay a hefty licensing fee. The only way to know would be to contact them and ask.
     
    mjewel, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  6. figgity

    figgity Active Member

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    #6
    Why not just change it up. Instead of selling a "for dummies" book, why not make a "for idiots" or "for dumbasses" book. If you take the insult to the level by using a synonym, you should be fine.
     
    figgity, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  7. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #7
    Are you trying to be funny? What a stupid post.
     
    browntwn, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  8. calico jonez

    calico jonez Peon

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    #8
    some other company probably owns 'for idiots'
    is there any way that i could check?
     
    calico jonez, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  9. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #9
    There isn't an easy search for all potential trademark issues on a mark - that is why there are companies you can pay to perform trademark searches for possible infringement.

    I believe being able to use "for idiots" for an ebook is going to depend on what your ebook is about and whether or not their is already an existing usage - i.e. there is a registered trademark for "webhosting for idiots" and I know there is prior usage on weight loss.
     
    mjewel, Oct 22, 2009 IP
  10. wptheme

    wptheme Well-Known Member

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    #10
    make a google search. Most high profile and TM'ed terms are owned by "good" companies with at least a "good" website presence on the net.
    Avoid those risks and try to create your own brand or something people haven't come out with or less popular.
    Example "Guides for DPians" or " Tutorial for dumbos"
    I know some people who even change the spelling just to get away with the TM. Though not sure if its that legal. Example like
    Nokia - Nokla
    :)
    Goodluck
     
    wptheme, Oct 24, 2009 IP
  11. jasonleexxx

    jasonleexxx Guest

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    #11
    Doing a google search isn't going to cover all your trademark issues. Its a very very small start I agree. But it is not comprehensive, if you are serious about investing the time and energy into the endeavor you are better off doing it right and saving yourself hassles down the line.
     
    jasonleexxx, Nov 3, 2009 IP