Can You Write a Book with the Same Title as Another? Find Out!

Ever wondered if you could use the same title as another author? The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While copyright doesn’t protect book titles, other legal considerations, like trademarks and “passing off,” come into play.

This guide dives deep into the legal landscape surrounding book titles in the UK, answering the question of whether you can write a book with the same title as another, as well as exploring the difference between copyright and trademark. We will also outline when using the same title could be illegal and offer practical advice on how to navigate this tricky terrain. We’ll also explore the practical risks beyond legal ones, like discoverability and reader confusion, that can arise from using a duplicate title. So, if you’re an aspiring author wrestling with title choices, read on to learn how to choose a title that’s both legally sound and commercially viable.

Legal Considerations: Can You Legally Reuse a Book Title?

So, can you write a book with the same title as another? Legally, yes—most of the time. But before you settle on your perfect title, it’s important to understand how book title copyright rules in the UK work, how trademarks come into play, and when reusing a title could land you in legal trouble.

Copyright vs. Trademark Laws in the UK

The first thing to clear up is that book titles are not protected by copyright. According to the UK Copyright Service, copyright safeguards creative works like books, films, and music, but not short phrases, names, or titles. This means that even if an author has published a book under a specific title, they do not own exclusive rights to that title.

However, book title trademark laws in the UK are a different story. While individual book titles generally cannot be trademarked, there are some exceptions. If the title belongs to a well-known series (think Harry Potter or Percy Jackson), it might be trademarked as a brand. Trademarks protect businesses and brands from competitors using similar names that could create confusion.

For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is a registered trademark, meaning you cannot publish a book called Harry Potter and the Secret Scrolls without violating intellectual property laws. Similarly, if a title is closely associated with a business—like a well-known self-help franchise—using it could cause legal headaches.

When Could a Duplicate Title Be Illegal?

While book title copyright rules in the UK don’t prevent title duplication, trademark law and the principle of “passing off” might.

Passing off happens when a book’s title is so similar to another that it misleads readers into thinking they’re related. If a new book confuses consumers and damages the original author’s reputation or sales, the original author could take legal action.

Consider this scenario: An author trademarks the name The Success Code for a best-selling business series. If another writer then publishes The Success Code: The Ultimate Guide to Wealth, the original author could argue trademark infringement—especially if the second book falls in the same genre and causes market confusion.
Another real-world example involves the case of Chicken Soup for the Soul, a globally recognized self-help series. If a new book titled Chicken Soup for the Corporate Soul was published without permission, the original trademark holders could sue for infringement.

That’s why book title duplication rules are crucial to understand. While two authors can publish books with the same title, it’s risky if the original title is legally protected. Can two books have the same title? Yes. But should they? Not always.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

So, can you publish a book with the same title as another? If it’s not trademarked and doesn’t cause market confusion, you likely won’t face legal action. But competition for book titles is fierce, and even if you dodge a lawsuit, you might struggle to stand out.

Practical Risks of Using the Same Title

While the legalities might not always be a roadblock, the real challenge begins when you step into the branding and discoverability arena. Even if you avoid trademark disputes, using an existing title can make marketing your book an uphill battle. Readers won’t just be picking between books—they’ll be picking between established works and yours.

1. Getting Lost in the Algorithm

If a book with your chosen title is already ranking well on Amazon or Google, your version might struggle to break through the noise. Search engines prioritize older, more established books with strong engagement—meaning reviews, backlinks, and sales history. If your title shares a name with a bestseller, your book could be buried under pages of search results, making discoverability a major challenge.

For example, if you title your book The Night Watch, you’ll be competing with Sergei Lukyanenko’s famous fantasy novel and even Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch. Can two books have the same title? Yes, but unless you have an aggressive SEO strategy, yours could be practically invisible.

2. Reader Confusion

Imagine a reader browsing online, eager to purchase a book they’ve heard about—only to accidentally buy yours because the title is identical. That might sound like a good thing, but it’s usually a marketing disaster.
Readers might return the book the moment they realize it’s not what they expected.

You could get negative reviews from people who feel misled.

Your book’s credibility could take a hit if it’s mistaken for a lower-quality or outdated work.

One author shared their frustration when their self-published book, Shadowland, was constantly mistaken for another popular novel of the same name. Despite their efforts, the negative impact on their ratings and credibility was unavoidable. Can you publish a book with the same title? Yes—but if readers associate that title with a different book, it might work against you.

3. The Shelf Space Problem

Even if you’re focusing on digital sales, traditional bookstores and libraries still matter. When a title already exists in their system, they may hesitate to stock another book with the same name to avoid confusion in their catalogue. This is especially true if the first book has strong sales or a long-standing presence in the market.

Many authors struggle with this when pitching their books to distributors. Retailers might assume that your book is just a reprint of an older title, leading to lost opportunities. Worse, a well-known title can overshadow yours, even if your content is entirely different.

Steps to Safely Use a Similar or Duplicate Title

If you’re determined to use a title that’s already out there, you need to do it strategically. Simply hoping for the best isn’t enough—you’ll need to research, differentiate, and protect yourself. While book title duplication rules allow multiple books to share the same name, failing to take precautions could land you in a branding or legal mess.

1. Search Existing Titles Thoroughly

Before committing to a title, conduct a comprehensive title search. Many authors assume that if a book isn’t widely known, they’re in the clear. That’s not always true. Even if a book with your title isn’t famous, it might still exist in digital catalogues, bookstores, or libraries—making it harder for yours to stand out.

Use these tools to check for duplicate titles:

• ISBN databases (e.g., Nielsen BookData, Bowker)
• Amazon (for books, eBooks, and audiobooks)
• Google Search (to uncover titles across multiple platforms)

If a book with your chosen title exists, look at when it was published, how well it ranks, and how widely it’s distributed. If it’s a niche book with minimal reach, you might be fine. But if it’s well-known, you may want to reconsider.

2. Conduct a Trademark Search

Just because a title isn’t copyrighted doesn’t mean it’s free to use. Some book titles—especially those in popular series or well-known brands—are protected under trademark law.

To avoid legal complications, search for trademarks using the UK Intellectual Property Office database. This will tell you if the title is registered as part of a brand or series. If it is, using it could lead to a legal dispute.

For instance, if you name your book The Hunger Games: A Survivor’s Story, you’re walking into dangerous territory. Even if your content has nothing to do with the original series, the similarity could still be challenged legally.

3. Differentiate with a Subtitle

If you’re set on a similar title, adding a subtitle is one of the simplest ways to avoid confusion and strengthen your branding.

Instead of directly competing with an established title, a subtitle can:

• Clarify your book’s unique angle
• Improve discoverability in search results
• Avoid potential trademark issues

For example:

✅ Instead of Twilight, try Twilight: A Vampire’s Journey

✅ Instead of Unbreakable, try Unbreakable: The True Story of Strength and Survival

A well-crafted subtitle ensures your book stands apart while still keeping the title you love. Plus, longer titles with keywords can improve SEO performance on platforms like Amazon and Google.

4. Consult a Lawyer for Peace of Mind

If you’re still unsure if I can write a book with a similar title without legal risks, consulting a publishing lawyer can provide clarity. A lawyer can help you:

• Confirm if a title is legally safe to use
• Assess potential risks of confusion or infringement
• Advise on how to modify your title if needed

This is especially important if your book is part of a series, brand, or business venture. The last thing you want is to invest in marketing, branding, and publishing—only to face a legal battle later.

Final Note

So, can you write a book with the same title as another? In short, sometimes. While copyright doesn’t protect titles, trademarks and the potential for “passing off” can create legal hurdles. Beyond the legalities, using a duplicate title poses practical challenges for discoverability and branding. By understanding the rules, researching thoroughly, and differentiating your work, you can navigate the complexities of book titles and choose one that sets your book up for success.