Can you use real locations in fiction?
If you decide to use a real place in your fiction, make sure you know it well. Even if you do this, basing your fictional setting on a real place can help you create a stronger sense of reality. You can describe actual places, but give them new names. Shift things around to better suit your plot.
Can you use city names in books?
There is no copyright on city names, and historical fiction is SUPPOSED to feature a different view on actual events and places, so no concerns there. Paint it in a bad light, and the Mayor might denounce your book, which would only improve its sales.
How do you name a country in a story?
Look at names of real countries in the region where you are setting your fictional country, and try to match the pattern. For example, there are several real countries in south Asia with names ending in “-stan”, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. So a name ending in “-stan” would sound plausible.
Can trademarked names be used in fiction?
Trademark lawyers call this “nominative fair use,” and it does not constitute infringement. For example, trademark owners have fits when writers of fiction or non-fiction use their brand names as generic terms for products or services.
Can I use real names in my novel?
Using real people in your fiction—whether they are correctly named or not—can be legally hazardous. If an author includes enough details that a specific fictional character is identifiable as an actual person, that person could possibly pursue legal action.
Can you sue someone for writing about you in a book?
Defamation. The offense of injuring a person’s character, fame, or reputation by false and malicious statements.” The term covers both libel (written) and slander (spoken). Only living people can sue for defamation, so someone can’t file a lawsuit against you for defamation through an estate or relatives.
What are some fake city names?
The 50 Coolest Fictional Cities
- Basin City. Image via Complex Original.
- King’s Landing. Image via Complex Original.
- Thugz Mansion. Image via Complex Original.
- Hillwood. Image via Complex Original.
- Shermer, Ill. Image via Complex Original.
- Eerie, Ind. Image via Complex Original.
- The Citadel. Image via Complex Original.
- The City.
Can you use copyrighted names in your book?
Editors are frequently asked whether it’s permissible for writers to mention product or business names in books. The short answer is yes. The long answer is be careful. By the nature of doing business, companies put their brands into the public forum and in fact usually appreciate publicity.
Can you use names in a book?
The First Amendment usually wins unless the work is purely advertising, including political advertising. Using someone’s name, image or life story as part of a novel, book, movie or other “expressive” work is protected by the First Amendment, even if the expressive work is sold or displayed.
Can someone sue you for using their name in a book?
Misappropriation of the Right of Publicity Using someone’s likeness, name, or identifying information for advertising, promotional, or commercial purposes may get you sued. Whether the person is a private individual or public figure, you would be liable for damages, including punitive damages.