Independent Author Launches GoFundMe to Battle Trademark and Copyright Infringement
- C.M. Harris
- Aug 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Independent Author Launches GoFundMe to Battle Trademark and Copyright Infringement
Southern California – August 4, 2025 – Award-winning children’s author Charity M. Harris, founder of Purple Diamond Press, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund a legal fight against trademark and copyright infringement by another publisher.
Harris, known for her bestselling book What If We Were® All The Same!, published in 2019 and its inclusive children’s series, discovered nearly 10 months ago that another publisher had released a book In 2024 with a confusingly similar title, rhyming style, and concept, causing market confusion and damaging her brand.
Despite notifying the parties in January and receiving assurances that the infringing book would be removed, it remained on sale across major retailers, including Amazon and Target. Harris has now taken legal action to protect her federally registered trademark and creative rights.
“This is more than just a shared title—it’s my voice, brand, and livelihood,” Harris said. “Independent authors deserve protection. I won’t let years of hard work be dismissed or taken without consequence.”
The campaign aims to cover legal fees as Harris prepares for potential federal litigation under copyright law and the Lanham Act. If successful, the case could set a precedent for protecting small authors from IP violations in publishing.
Supporters can learn more and contribute to the campaign here: https://gofund.me/71df987c
About Charity M. Harris
Charity M. Harris is an award-winning children’s author, disability advocate, and founder of Purple Diamond Press, a publishing company dedicated to creating books that promote kindness, inclusion, and diversity. Her bestselling book What If We Were All The Same!® has been recognized by ABC News, the San Francisco 49ers, and featured on the BBC.
*“I’ve spent years building this series to inspire children with messages of kindness and acceptance. To see my work copied and my trademark ignored has been heartbreaking.
This isn’t just about one book—it’s about standing up for every independent author who deserves to have their creativity and hard work respected. I’m fighting not just for myself, but to send a message that our voices cannot be dismissed or taken without consequence.” – C.M. Harris
With her GoFundMe campaign, Harris is taking a stand to protect her intellectual property, send a message about the importance of respecting authors’ rights, and ensure independent creators can continue sharing stories that inspire future generations.
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