Q: Can I use picture frame designs around the text in my authored books?

A: Based on your question, it seems you are asking whether using decorative picture frame designs around the text in books you have written would be legally permissible from an intellectual property perspective. Here are a few key considerations:

Copyright: Assuming you created the picture frame designs yourself, you would generally own the copyright in those original designs. As the copyright owner, you have the right to reproduce and use those designs in your own authored works. If you want to use picture frame designs created by someone else, you would need to either obtain permission/a license from the copyright owner or ensure the designs are in the public domain.

Trademark: Trademark issues are unlikely to arise from using generic picture frame designs, unless your designs are extremely similar to designs consistently used by another author or publisher in a way that has acquired distinctiveness and trademark significance in the publishing industry. Avoiding designs that are confusingly similar to others' established trade dress is advisable.

Public Domain: Picture frame designs that are sufficiently old may be in the public domain, meaning copyrights have expired and the designs are free for anyone to use. However, determining public domain status can be complex.

Fair Use: Even if certain picture frame designs are protected by copyright, your use may potentially qualify as fair use depending on factors like the purpose of your use, the amount used in relation to your book as a whole, and the effect on the market for the copyrighted designs. Transformative uses are more likely to be fair use. However, fair use is a complex doctrine analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

Bottom line: If you created the decorative picture frame designs yourself, you should be fine to use them in your own authored books. If you want to use others' designs, it's safest to either obtain permission, use public domain designs, or ensure your use is fair use. When in doubt, consult an intellectual property attorney for guidance on your specific use case. Proper IP hygiene minimizes legal risks in publishing your books.