Denver Book Society Sued by Berkeley's Book Society Over Name

The two independent bookstores are battling over the use of the 'book society' name in court.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A stack of hardcover books with polished, premium covers resting on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract legal dispute over intellectual property and trademark rights.A legal battle over the use of a common business term highlights the challenges independent bookstores face in establishing their brand identity.Denver Today

Denver Book Society, a new independent bookstore that opened in 2026, is being sued by Book Society, an established bookstore in Berkeley, California, over the use of the 'book society' name. The Berkeley store claims Denver Book Society is infringing on its trademark, while the Denver store argues that 'book society' is a common term not exclusive to one business. The legal dispute is the latest drama surrounding the Denver store since its opening.

Why it matters

This legal battle highlights the challenges small, independent bookstores can face when trying to establish their brand and identity, especially when up against larger, more established competitors. The outcome could set a precedent for how 'common' business terms can be used by multiple entities.

The details

Book Society, the Berkeley-based bookstore, has been accusing Denver Book Society of taking its name and demanding that the new Denver shop change its moniker. The Berkeley store filed a trademark application to protect the 'Book Society' name as it plans to expand its subscription service nationally, including to Denver where it has already hosted a pop-up. Denver Book Society owner Rich Garvin has now filed a federal lawsuit asking a judge to protect his store's right to use the 'book society' name and to receive money to cover court fees. Garvin argues the two stores are operating in separate parts of the country under different names, and that 'book society' is not an exclusive term.

  • Denver Book Society opened in February 2026.
  • Book Society in Berkeley started using its name in 2023.
  • Book Society filed a trademark application to protect its name, which is still pending.

The players

Denver Book Society

A new independent bookstore that opened in Denver in 2026.

Book Society

An established independent bookstore based in Berkeley, California that started using the name in 2023 and has filed a trademark application to protect it.

Rich Garvin

The owner of the Denver Book Society.

Laura Guzman

The owner of the Berkeley Book Society.

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What they’re saying

“There's no point in having a trademark unless you enforce it.”

— Laura Guzman, Owner of Berkeley's Book Society

“Honestly, we really wish we could just focus on the work we're doing here providing a welcoming space, great books and engaging programming. We're committed to continuing to support our community.”

— Laura Guzman, Owner of Berkeley's Book Society

What’s next

The owners of the Berkeley Book Society are still reviewing the lawsuit filed by the Denver Book Society, and have not yet commented on their next steps in the legal battle.

The takeaway

This dispute between two independent bookstores over the use of a common term like 'book society' highlights the challenges small businesses can face in establishing their brand identity, especially when competing with larger, more established competitors. The outcome could set an important precedent for how 'generic' business terms can be used by multiple entities.