Some books are called "choose you rown adventure" books - where the
reader makes decision on what happens next based on choices given. Is
this term ("choose your own adventure") a protected, copyright term or
can it be used by anyone who writes such a book

Hi! Thanks for the question.

Note: Please take note of the disclaimer below that Google Answers is
for general information only and is not a substitute for professional
legal advice.

It seems that the term "Choose Your Own Adventure" is protected by
copyright and also by trademark. It cannot be used by anyone without
the permission of the copyright and trademark owners.

I found a trademark by Bantam Books shown as ?Dead? but I still advice
that you consult an attorney first on how you can go about this issue.


You can search the US Copyright Office website for the term "choose
your own adventure" without the quotes. The link does not go directly
to the search results but the procedures to get the copyright records
are pretty easy. Just follow the steps.

1. Go to this link: http://www.copyright.gov/records/cohm.html 
2. In the ?Search By? section select ?Title (without initial article:
caine mutiny)?. Just click on the circle beside it.
3. Type the term: choose your own adventure (without the quotes) on the search box 
4. Click on the ?Search? button
5. After this a new page will be shown. Click on the boxes showing the
term ?choose your own adventure?.
6. Select ?Full-Record Display?
7. Click on the ?Submit? button.
8. All the records will now be presented to you. Some are in CD and
others are in book form.

The term ?choose your own adventure? is also trademarked. The United
States and Patent and Trademark Office website provides records online
on the trademark for ?choose your own adventure?.

It seems that the presentation of search records expires after a while
and the link does not go directly to the records as well after the
expiration. Again please follow the directions below:

1. Go to this link: http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=uhhacm.1.1
2. Just type the term: choose your own adventure (this time with or
without the quotes) on the search box.
3. Click on the ?Submit Query? button.
4. You will be taken to a new page and view the records. Click on the
links to view the details on the individual records.

Search method:            
Searched the records of the US Copyright Office and for the United
States and Patent and Trademark Office websites

I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
           
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Regards,           
Easterangel-ga           
Google Answers Researcher