Sue you, You Piece Of Libel - Writers Forum

thelatemitchellwarren · 07-06-2004, 10:06 PM

I have an odd question.

I was thinking of writing a parody of a writing forum for a website.
(Not this one, don't worry)

If I make fun of various personalities without using their
name but drawing attention to their internet persona in small
ways, can they threaten me with a libel suit?

Ozmandius · 07-06-2004, 10:38 PM

Not in the slightest. Parody is specifically protected under American copyright law under the fair usage clause. So feel free to slander your dirty little heart out. Just make sure that you spell my name right.

Oz

thelatemitchellwarren · 07-06-2004, 10:45 PM

Hahah, not you Oz. This was before your
time. These other guys are long overdue.

eleutheromaniac · 07-07-2004, 02:46 AM

I think that was covered in the People vs Larry Flynt (wow, pop culture actually taught me something! Infotainment!)

thelatemitchellwarren · 07-07-2004, 11:35 AM

Actually, I knew there was no problem with
actual parody writing.

However my question had more to do with
invasion of privacy. People who are not
in the public eye have more rights than
those who do stupid things on television.
Therefore, that's why I avoided actual
names. Because I believe exposing a
real person, not famous, to humiliation
could fall under libel somewhere.