What permissions needed to write about company XYZ - Writers Forum

janewilson · 01-07-2006, 03:53 AM

Hi,

I'm writing my first book (technical computer book) called "The Indispensable XYZ Handbook" where XYZ is a very large software company.

My question is: What permissions do I need to get from company XYZ to write the book?

Do I even need permission? Do I just need to put a disclaimer that the name XYZ is a copyrighted name?

I've bought several publishing books but they don't elaborate on nuances of technical manuals and using copyrighted product names.

-New Author

Hodge · 01-07-2006, 04:05 AM

I think you need to get permission to do an "official" handbook. Otherwise you need to put "unofficial" on the cover somewhere. I don't think you need to ask permission, though, as long as you don't slander their name.

Hodge · 01-07-2006, 04:11 AM

Mmm, you do need to look up the laws regarding trademarks, though, and you may need to ask permission to use theirs.

Mike C · 01-07-2006, 06:17 AM

Just write the book. Details will be taken care of by the publisher.

mammamaia · 01-07-2006, 06:43 PM

for relevant trademark and copyright laws, go to www.uspto.gov and www.copyright.gov