Ask HN: Can I use a name from a novel for my company?
4 comments
Consult a lawyer and get an opinion letter. Copyright is unlikely to apply to names (see http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html). Patents clearly do not apply. Character names may be trademarked, but it is likely using a name from the book for your company will not introduce confusion by conflicting with another use of the same "mark". (See http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/index.jsp)
Using a name from a book brings along a lot of baggage, some of which you might want, but some, not so much. No matter what, it's complicated.
Using a name from a book brings along a lot of baggage, some of which you might want, but some, not so much. No matter what, it's complicated.
Palantir is from LOTR and Starbucks is from Moby Dick. Unless it's copyrighted (basically every character in Star Wars would be, for instance), I think you should be fine. Ask a lawyer, though!
You should ask permissions to his publishers. They will guide you.
I agree with pmtarantino, about contacting the publisher, but you can also use those names as inspiration.
Duran Duran (the music band from the 80s) apparently got their name from Barbarella, but when I looked for the Duran Duran Barbarella, we get Dr. Durand Durand.
Duran Duran (the music band from the 80s) apparently got their name from Barbarella, but when I looked for the Duran Duran Barbarella, we get Dr. Durand Durand.
So the question is, is it fine if I use a name from his books for my company without informing him in advance? Is there any legal problem with it? Is there any moral problem with it? If yes, how would you avoid them? Have you ever borrowed name of your company from a book?
Any hints/clues/ideas will be appreciated.