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Sasca · 11-27-2010, 08:50 PM

While it's true that some Authors and creators have no problem with 'fan fiction' or use of their character's names in games and other outlets, it cannot be said that there is no legal problem. Yes, you can name Mr and Mrs Bond's child 'James'...but when you add that he undergoes training as an Agent for the MI5, or is involved in espionage, then you have crossed into copyright. JK Rowling, for example, advocates Fan Fiction and has often said that she finds it flattering when people write about Harry; She has, however, been attentive to some sites and works that portray her characters in an 'unseemly' way, or publications that try to make money off her work. She's had her people close down sites and 'fan-fic' forums. And then there's the added confusion of Laws of a particular country. The US has very different Copyright laws than the UK, Australia, China, or where-ever else. Assuming that what goes in the US is what goes anywhere else is bad form, to say the very least, and is misleading to people who are concerned about such things. If you're worried about using a character name or other aspects of a writer/creator's work, best to try to contact their estate or agent and get a clear picture of things, isn't it?

I'm not trying to be nasty, either, but when you say 'I can state 'blah blah'', it doesn't make it true.

11-27-2010, 08:50 PM	#14
Sasca New Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 18	Re: Copyrighted character names. While it's true that some Authors and creators have no problem with 'fan fiction' or use of their character's names in games and other outlets, it cannot be said that there is no legal problem. Yes, you can name Mr and Mrs Bond's child 'James'...but when you add that he undergoes training as an Agent for the MI5, or is involved in espionage, then you have crossed into copyright. JK Rowling, for example, advocates Fan Fiction and has often said that she finds it flattering when people write about Harry; She has, however, been attentive to some sites and works that portray her characters in an 'unseemly' way, or publications that try to make money off her work. She's had her people close down sites and 'fan-fic' forums. And then there's the added confusion of Laws of a particular country. The US has very different Copyright laws than the UK, Australia, China, or where-ever else. Assuming that what goes in the US is what goes anywhere else is bad form, to say the very least, and is misleading to people who are concerned about such things. If you're worried about using a character name or other aspects of a writer/creator's work, best to try to contact their estate or agent and get a clear picture of things, isn't it? I'm not trying to be nasty, either, but when you say 'I can state 'blah blah'', it doesn't make it true.