Copyright of famous people's names? - Writers Forum

davetherave · 08-25-2007, 03:46 AM

I'm a little unclear about whether you can use famous people's names in a ms. For example I've used the names Linford Christie (the british 100m sprinter) and Steve 'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin in my ms.

Now my question is can i do this without getting sued. The references to them are not derogatory in any way.

valeca · 08-25-2007, 05:13 AM

Names can not be copyrighted.

In the case of the croc hunter, it's possible it could be trademarked, but that's a whole different kettle of fish.

davetherave · 08-25-2007, 10:33 AM

thanks valeca

mammamaia · 08-25-2007, 07:20 PM

keep in mind that you can still be sued, even if you don't think the references are derogatory... especially in the case of irwin, who's achieved near sainthood in some quarters, thanks to his untimely death... you can never tell what surviving relatives will feel is offensive to the memory of their loved one...

Hobbes · 08-25-2007, 07:38 PM

You can be sued for anything. Bottom line, write your story. Spend all your time thinking about what other people *may* think, and you'll have a hard life as a writer, much less as a human being.

mammamaia · 08-25-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

You can be sued for anything. Bottom line, write your story. Spend all your time thinking about what other people *may* think, and you'll have a hard life as a writer, much less as a human being.

sad, but true... and the advice is valid...

davetherave · 08-26-2007, 06:21 PM

Thanks guys

Mike C · 08-28-2007, 03:34 AM

When a journalist asked what his favourite TV show was as a kid, Steve Irwin couldn’t decide. He said that he liked Thunderbirds, but he’ll always have a place in his heart for Stingray.

Sue me.

HarryG · 08-28-2007, 03:29 PM

And the only possible reason to use Linford Christie in a story, is because of his lunchbox.

The same applies to Sylvester Stallone and his suction pump.

And if it wasn’t for his muscles, Arnie would not be the Governor of California.

Sue me.