Proper Nouns Usage
by EM
(Philippines)
Question: I'm currently working on a novel and I stopped for a moment because of something bothering me.
The question that bothered me was "does using a brand, landmark or anything proper noun infringes something?".
I mean, I used 7-Eleven, Taco Bell, lines from some songs, mentioning a celebrity name, Etc.
And if so, do I need to write a letter for permission or something?
Thank you very much for your articles!
Answer: I'm not a lawyer, so please don't take this as legal advice, but here's my understanding of these issues...
1. Never use lines from songs unless they are so old they are in public domain. You are allowed to make brief quotes from other works, up to a small percentage of the work in question, and so long as you give credit to the author. However, since song lyrics are so short, it's hard to take a meaningful quote without violating the lyricist's copyright. It's safer to just treat lyrics as off-limits.
2. As for company names, usually this is not a problem unless you are saying something about a company that would damage its reputation, making your work qualify as slander or libel. Otherwise, you're just giving them free advertising.
If your characters simply eat at Taco Bell in one scene, no problem. If your murder plot depicts the CEO of Taco Bell as a psychopath who deliberately poisons burgers, that could be a problem and you should invent a fictional fast food chain instead.
One would hope that your publisher would have enough legal expertise to sort out any grey areas.
However, it's a matter that can be dealt with after you have signed a publishing contract. Don't get hung up on such matters now, while you're still working on a manuscript. Your job at this stage is to follow your passion and write a good story.
Don't listen to that voice that would have you worry, "Am I doing this wrong? Am I making a mistake?" That voice can halt creativity in its tracks.
Comments for Proper Nouns Usage
|
||
|
||
|
||
| site search by freefind |
Recent Postings
-
Characters
Apr 11, 21 08:47 PM
Question: I am writing a story from the viewpoints of three different characters, there are going to be a lot of names throughout the story and I'm unsure
-
Is my plot enough?
Apr 04, 21 08:57 PM
Question: I'm writing a young adult novel about a boy who comes to Italy to study art for the summer and starts falling in love with the son of the host
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero
