tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post150578238456902929..comments2024-02-28T12:45:42.761-05:00Comments on Hoosier Ink: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's . . . Fan FictionThe ACFW INDIANA Chapter Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07282742986179364847noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-64302316215775965072010-08-26T17:34:37.974-04:002010-08-26T17:34:37.974-04:00It shouldn't be a problem as long as you don&#...It shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't say anything negative about the company. Or you can create a fictional company with a name that is already in use but change the facts (e.g., if the real company is a small, family-owned business located in Dallas, you could turn it into a big publicly owned company headquartered in Houston--not the greatest example, but the best I could do off the top of my head). Don't worry about finding a totally unique name--it isn't possible, anyway.Kathryn Page Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03458122715766846442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-18205094335012383612010-08-26T16:21:27.222-04:002010-08-26T16:21:27.222-04:00Me again - one more question. My heroine works for...Me again - one more question. My heroine works for a company which really exists. I wanted something with a reference to Texas in it. Every single name I came up with actually exists. I know there's always the blurb at the beginning of the book about names, characters, places, etc. being the author's imagination and not based on any actual persons, places, etc. Should I keep trying to find a fictional name not currently being used? I don't portray this company in a bad light, and might actually make some sales from it. What's your educated opinion? Thanks again, Kathryn. I really appreciate your expertise, as we all do!JoAnn Durginnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-91934492176821566002010-08-26T16:20:45.623-04:002010-08-26T16:20:45.623-04:00There is no problem with having your characters di...There is no problem with having your characters discuss other fictional characters, either from a trademark standpoint (see my April 10, 2010 Hoosier Ink post on trademarks)or for purposes of copyright--with one exception. If you reproduce or paraphrase significant portions of any particular Nancy Drew story in your characters' discussions, you could have copyright issues. But if they are just mentioning the comparison, you should be fine.Kathryn Page Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03458122715766846442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-74467944197983755802010-08-26T16:00:15.086-04:002010-08-26T16:00:15.086-04:00Hi, Kathryn! So, you're a great person to ask ...Hi, Kathryn! So, you're a great person to ask this question. If my characters mention the name Nancy Drew and compare their current situation with Nancy, George and Bess and solving a crime, is that a violation of either trademark or copyright? It's my intention to honor my favorite titian-haired sleuth from my childhood, but I don't want to invite trouble. <br /><br />I know this question was bandied about on the ACFW loop, but honestly don't recall the answer. But now it's personal since it's in the manuscript currently being edited for publication. I want to be perfectly clear on this issue. And yes, I work for attorneys, but that's not their specialty. <br /><br />Thanks so much! I appreciate your help. Blessings to you!JoAnn Durginnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-73042977547702719142010-08-26T13:56:02.583-04:002010-08-26T13:56:02.583-04:00Good info, Kathryn. I know it's always a worry...Good info, Kathryn. I know it's always a worry for writers. You spelled it out very clearly so you just lost all of us as potential clients in a lawsuit. heheheLinda Glazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04374683352435771715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2676691386361883927.post-31881684463985924242010-08-26T07:44:09.710-04:002010-08-26T07:44:09.710-04:00Thanks, Kathryn. I always enjoy your articles and ...Thanks, Kathryn. I always enjoy your articles and the reality they bring that writing carries a lot of baggage!Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09888191800120017375noreply@blogger.com