My research indicates that book titles can be trademarked but they are not typically copyrighted. Here’s what I found:
Copyright: Copyright law does not typically protect titles of single creative works, like a book title, by themselves. This is because copyright is designed to protect the expression of ideas (like the content within the book) rather than short phrases or titles. However, the contents of the book (text, illustrations, etc.) are fully protected.
Trademark: A book title can potentially be trademarked if it’s used to signify a brand – for instance, if it’s part of a series of books, or if it’s used in the marketing of other goods and services (like merchandise or a TV series). Trademark protection is meant to prevent consumer confusion about the source of goods or services. For example, the title of a series of books, like “Harry Potter,” can be trademarked because it’s used across a range of products and represents a specific brand identity.
It’s important to note that the process of trademarking a book title can be complex and is not always guaranteed. It’s usually reserved for titles that have significant commercial value and recognition. You should always consult a qualified attorney about all intellectual property issues.