ISBN vs. Copyright vs. Barcode: What’s the Difference?
If you are new to self-publishing, the acronyms and terminology can feel overwhelming. Three terms, in particular, often get used interchangeably even though they are completely different things: ISBN, Barcode, and Copyright.
A common misconception we hear from authors is, "If I buy an ISBN, does that mean my book is copyrighted?" (The short answer is: No).
To help you navigate the publishing process smoothly, we’ve broken down exactly what each element is, why you need it, and how they work together to make your book a success.
1. The ISBN (The "ID Card")
What is it?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit numeric identifier. Think of it as your book’s social security number. It is a global standard used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, and internet retailers to order, list, stock, and track your book.
Do you need it?
Yes. If you want to sell your book in bookstores, online retailers (like Amazon or Barnes & Noble), or place it in libraries, an ISBN is mandatory. It identifies the specific edition, format, and publisher of a book.
Key Takeaway: Without an ISBN, your book is invisible to the retail supply chain.
Need an ISBN? You can purchase official ISBN numbers here to get your book listed globally.
2. The Barcode (The "Scanner's Best Friend")
What is it?
The barcode is the graphical representation of your ISBN. While the ISBN is the number itself, the barcode is the pattern of black and white lines that allows a machine to read that number.
Do you need it?
If you are printing physical copies of your book, absolutely. When a cashier at a bookstore scans the back of your book, they are scanning the barcode. Most barcodes also encode the price of the book so the register knows what to charge.
The Connection: You cannot have a book barcode without an ISBN, because the barcode is created from the ISBN data.
Note: At UPCS, when you buy an ISBN, we can also generate high-resolution barcode images for your cover designer.
3. Copyright (The "Legal Protection")
What is it?
Copyright is a form of intellectual property law. It protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. It grants the creator the exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film, or record their literary material.
Do you need it?
Technically, your work is copyrighted the moment you write it down in a tangible form. However, registering your copyright with your government (such as the U.S. Copyright Office) is highly recommended if you want the ability to sue for damages in case of infringement.
The Big Distinction: Buying an ISBN has nothing to do with copyright. An ISBN is a supply chain tool; copyright is a legal protection. You must handle copyright registration separately from your ISBN purchase.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Feature | ISBN | Barcode | Copyright |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Product Identification & Sales Tracking | Scannability for Retail Checkout | Intellectual Property Protection |
| Required for Sales? | Yes (Standard) | Yes (Physical Books) | No (But Recommended) |
| Where to get it? | UPCS.com | Generated from ISBN | Gov. Copyright Office |
Final Thoughts for Authors
To successfully launch your book, you usually need all three:
- Copyright to protect your hard work.
- An ISBN to identify your book in the global database.
- A Barcode to ensure you can sell physical copies in stores.
Ready to check items #2 and #3 off your list? We can help you get set up instantly.