Are pen names legal? Yes, an author can legally use a pen name or pseudonym to publish their intellectual property. Pen names are legal, as long as you have purchased the rights to your pen name, and have copyrighted your name. An author of a copyrighted work is allowed to use a pseudonym or a pen name.
Is it illegal to have a pseudonym?
This isn’t illegal per se , but use of a pseudonym doesn’t protect an author against liability for defamation (libel) and other illegal acts. A pen name shields the author from public view, but provides no shield against a lawsuit.
Is using a pseudonym legal UK?
I use a pseudonym, how should I fill in the form? There is no problem registering if you use a pseudonym or pen name. For clarity, we recommend that when you complete the ‘Copyright owner’ section of the application form you state both your real name and the pseudonym. ... Pseudonym (real name: Real Name)
Can a pen name protect your identity?
Identity Protection
With a pen name, you may be able to publish a book that contains the harrowing details of your life without your family, friends or coworkers ever knowing about it.
How do you legally use a pseudonym?
There’s no real legal process to using a pen name – typically you can just pick one and use it. While most states have laws requiring people doing business under another name to register with the state, these laws generally don’t apply to writers using pen names.
Why would someone use a pseudonym?
Today, many writers may use pen names to disguise their true identity for their day jobs , not wanting their bosses or colleagues to know that they write a particular genre and be subject to scrutiny or embarrassment. It may be unsettling for some to find out their surgeon is a prolific writer of murder-thriller novels.
Can I work under a pseudonym?
Many often wonder if authors who use pen names or pseudonyms can still copyright their work. The answer is yes . As detailed by the U.S. Copyright Office, a work is considered “pseudonymous” if the author is identified on copies of the work by a fictitious name.
Can you legally go by an alias?
Generally, a person is entitled to using an alias if they choose to do so . However, most legal documents that require proof or validity of identity may be necessary and often a legal name change is also legally needed. ... On the other hand, an alias is just a name that has not been legally assigned, but is used.
Is making a fake email account illegal?
No, it is not illegal to use an alias on such an email account. People do it all the time. As long as you do not enter into contracts using the fake name and even then there are issues.
Do artists use pseudonyms?
It’s quite common for artists from all mediums to use pseudonyms . However, there can be legal repercussions. Before signing off with a pen name, you should carefully consider why you may use it, how to protect your real identity, and the risks involved.
Do artists use fake names?
I’ve worked with artists who use their real names , along with a number of artists who have adopted pseudonyms. It’s quite common for actors and authors to change their names. ... Some artists change their name because their birth name doesn’t have an artistic ring to it.
What is it called when an artist uses a different name?
A pen name, or “nom de plume” (French for “pen name”), is a pseudonym (sometimes a particular form of the real name) adopted by an author (or on the author’s behalf by their publishers). ... Some female authors used male pen names, in particular in the 19th century, when writing was a male-dominated profession.
Do I have to trademark my pen name?
2: Pen names cannot be trademark protected . The author must prove that the name has “secondary meaning” by being part of a unique brand that is used in marketing and commerce, and is widely recognized. Like J.K.Rowling which is a trademark owned by Joanne Rowling.
How do you protect your identity as a writer?
- Avoid phishing scams. ...
- Protect your passwords and information. ...
- Regularly monitoring your identity online. ...
- Conduct business in reputable sites. ...
- Contact the editor of the blog. ...
- Agree on a safe payment plan.
What is a good pseudonym name?
- J.K. Rowling.
- Dr. Seuss.
- Stan Lee.
- Richard Bachman.
- Lee Child.
- Mark Twain.
- The Brontë sisters.
- George Orwell.
