Write a how-to book for Affinity product/s

[drik]

Good day all,

I am wondering if I am allowed to write and publish a book on using Affinity product/s, say for a specific purpose?

I am asking because I am concerned about using Affinity trademark name on KDP.

Do I have to ask Affinity for explicit permission to publish such a book?

Thank you.

[PaulEC]

You certainly can't use a registered trademark without getting permission! (I think there is actually something about this in the KDP guidelines.)

Although you don't have to get permission to write a book about someone else's product, it is advisable to get their permission, as you could, (depending on what you include in the text, screen grabs etc,) lay yourself open to problems with copyright and infringement of intellectual property rights. Also, you should not imply anywhere that you have any sort of support or endorsement from the company concerned, unless you do actually have their backing.

[kenmcd]

4 hours ago, drik said:

I am wondering if I am allowed to write and publish a book on using Affinity product/s, say for a specific purpose?

Yes.

4 hours ago, drik said:

Do I have to ask Affinity for explicit permission to publish such a book?

No.

Regarding the trademarks - just look at the disclosures in other books regarding trademarks which appear in the books. You do not need any permissions or need to seek any blessings. 

Unless you are selling graphic design software you do not need to worry about it. That is what the trademark applies to.

Nobody has to ask permission to write a news article, a software review, a tutorial, or a book - or to create videos - which include names related to trademarks. This is specifically allowed in trademark law.

Just don't say or imply that this is an official "Affinity" publication.

Again, look at how this is handled in the front matter of books published by major publishers.