⚠️ Critical Warning
Publishing content that violates Amazon's policies or infringes on intellectual property can result in:
- • Account suspension (permanent ban)
- • Legal action from trademark/copyright holders
- • Financial penalties and withheld royalties
- • Loss of all published books on your account
What Are "Gated" Brands?
Amazon restricts certain brands to prevent counterfeit products and unauthorized use of trademarks. If a brand is "gated," you cannot use their name, logo, or trademarked terms in your book without explicit permission.
Example: You cannot publish a book titled "Harry Potter Fan Fiction" or "Disney Princess Coloring Book" without licensing agreements.
Common Restricted Brands for Books
🎬 Entertainment & Media
⚽ Sports Leagues & Teams
👗 Fashion & Lifestyle
⚠️ This is NOT a complete list. Thousands of brands are protected. Always research before using any brand name.
What You CAN Do (Legally)
✅ 1. Use Generic Descriptions
Instead of "Disney Princess Coloring Book," use "Fantasy Princess Coloring Book for Kids."
Safe: "Superhero Coloring Book" | Risky: "Marvel Superhero Coloring Book"
✅ 2. Create Original Content
Design your own characters, stories, and artwork. You own 100% of the rights.
✅ 3. Use Public Domain Works
Books published before 1928 are generally in the public domain (e.g., Sherlock Holmes, Alice in Wonderland).
Check: Project Gutenberg for public domain books.
✅ 4. Parody (With Caution)
Parody is protected under fair use, but it must be transformative and clearly satirical. This is legally risky—consult a lawyer.
How to Check Before Publishing
2Google the Brand Name + "Trademark"
See if the brand actively enforces its trademark. Look for cease-and-desist letters or lawsuits.
3Check Amazon's Brand Registry
If a brand is enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry, they have extra protection.
Amazon Brand Registry4When in Doubt, Don't Publish
If you're unsure, consult an intellectual property lawyer. It's cheaper than a lawsuit.
Real-World Examples (What NOT to Do)
❌ "Harry Potter Cookbook"
Warner Bros owns the trademark. You'll get a takedown notice.
❌ "NFL Team Logo Coloring Book"
NFL aggressively protects team logos. Instant ban.
❌ "Disney Princess Sticker Book"
Disney is one of the most litigious companies. Don't risk it.
❌ "Marvel Superhero Activity Book"
Marvel characters are trademarked. Use generic "superhero" instead.
Top 10 Reasons Authors Get Banned from KDP
Trademark/Copyright Infringement
Using protected brand names, characters, or logos without permission. This is the #1 reason for account termination.
Example: "Harry Potter Cookbook," "Disney Coloring Book," "NFL Team Guide"
Plagiarism
Copying content from other books, websites, or AI-generated text without proper attribution or transformation.
Warning: Amazon uses plagiarism detection software. Even "spinning" or AI-rewriting can be detected.
Keyword Stuffing
Cramming unrelated keywords into your title, subtitle, or description to manipulate search rankings.
Bad: "Cookbook | Recipe Book | Cooking | Food | Kitchen | Chef | Baking | Grilling..."
Fake Reviews
Buying reviews, review swapping, or asking family/friends to leave reviews from the same IP address.
Amazon tracks: IP addresses, purchase history, and review patterns. They will catch you.
Duplicate Content
Publishing the same book under multiple pen names or accounts to manipulate rankings.
Also includes: Republishing public domain books without adding significant value.
Prohibited Content
Publishing erotica in non-erotica categories, illegal content, or content that violates Amazon's content guidelines.
Misleading Metadata
Wrong categories, fake "bestseller" claims, or misleading book descriptions that don't match the content.
Example: Listing a 20-page notebook as a "Complete Guide" or using "#1 Bestseller" in the title.
Low-Quality AI Content
Publishing unedited AI-generated books with no human oversight, obvious errors, or nonsensical content.
Amazon's stance: AI-assisted is OK, but you must add value and edit thoroughly.
Multiple Accounts
Creating multiple KDP accounts to manipulate rankings, circumvent bans, or publish duplicate content.
Amazon allows: One account per person/entity. Multiple pen names are OK on one account.
Price Manipulation
Rapidly changing prices to game the system, price matching abuse, or coordinated pricing with other sellers.
Safe practice: Test prices over weeks, not hours. Avoid extreme fluctuations.
How to Stay Safe: Your Pre-Publish Checklist
Stay Safe, Stay Profitable
Focus on original content and avoid legal headaches. Use Kitaab to calculate your profits on books you actually own.