Your books can generate income for generations. Most authors never think about what happens after they’re gone—or how to stop piracy in markets halfway around the world. American Author Board closes those gaps with straightforward planning that keeps your work paying off long into the future, no matter where threats appear.
IP Estate Planning for Authors
You’ve spent years building something valuable. Why let it compromise when you’re no longer manage it?
IP estate planning for authors simply means adding your copyrights, trademarks, and royalty streams to your will or trust. We review what you own—every book, series, character, or brand—and draft clear instructions so your heirs inherit the rights cleanly. This includes naming who receives ongoing payments, how royalties get divided, and who has authority to license adaptations or fight infringements.
We work alongside your existing estate attorney (or connect you with one) to create a dedicated IP schedule that lists each asset with its registration numbers. No confusing legalese—just plain directions like “My thriller series royalties go to my daughter” or “My pen-name trademark stays with the family trust.”
Authors who complete this tell us it brings huge peace of mind. One client’s widow received uninterrupted payments from a backlist title for over a decade because everything was spelled out. Without it, families often lose thousands fighting probate or watching rights expire. The process takes one short call plus document review, and it’s surprisingly affordable. Let us help you pass down book rights the right way—so your stories continue to protect royalties for heirs long after the final chapter.
Global Copyright Enforcement
Piracy doesn’t respect borders. A bootleg copy or a fake ebook can drain thousands from your earnings before you even notice.
Our global copyright enforcement partnerships connect you with specialized IP firms in high-risk markets—China, India, the EU, and beyond. These partners actively monitor online marketplaces, torrent sites, and print-on-demand platforms for unauthorized versions of your work. When they find a violation, they issue takedowns, send cease-and-desist letters, and pursue removal through local courts if needed—all on your behalf.
We set up the agreement once, then you get quarterly reports showing what was found and fixed. No chasing leads yourself. For authors with international sales or translation deals, this is essential anti-piracy international protection. One client recovered over $18,000 in lost royalties from just three overseas sites in the first year.
This isn’t a “set it and forget it” service—we stay involved, updating watch lists as you release new titles. The result? Book rights enforcement worldwide that actually works, keeping more money in your pocket and your catalog clean. Many authors start this after their first foreign royalty statement shows unexplained shortfalls. You don’t have to wait for that moment.
Planning for the long haul doesn’t have to feel heavy. These two steps—clear estate instructions and active worldwide monitoring—give your work the lasting security it deserves. American Author Board makes both painless: one consultation, custom documents, and ongoing support. Your legacy is worth protecting. Reach out today and let’s make sure your books keep working for you—and your family—forever.