Copyright and Company Name

[Phil C.]

Can I use the name of a character from a well-know book in the name of my company that I plan on starting? I have not found many resources on-line that deal with this issue.

Bonus Points: Guess the name of the character

Thanks everybody!

[Eddie Ziv]

You mean like Tom Swift or Indiana Jones? Well, if the book is PB (Public domain) then there is no problem. Also, if you use only the first or the last name, it shouldn't be a problem. Usually, it's not a problem if you don't use logo, symbols or Avatars that insinuate connection to the book... That would be my take on it but you should consult with domain /creative rights lawyer.

[Jon Holdman]

Copyright is not the issue here, trademarks are. If its something from current pop culture then its almost certainly trademarked. Anything that has the circle R symbol is a registered trademark. Anything with circle C is an unregistered trademark. "Indiana Jones" for example is certainly a trademark and could not be used. The media companies will vigorously defend their trademarks.

[Eddie Ziv]

Originally posted by Jon Holdman:

Copyright is not the issue here, trademarks are. If its something from current pop culture then its almost certainly trademarked. Anything that has the circle R symbol is a registered trademark. Anything with circle C is an unregistered trademark. "Indiana Jones" for example is certainly a trademark and could not be used. The media companies will vigorously defend their trademarks.

You're right Jon. Try to use Mickey Mouse and see Disney all over you. Although, come to think of it, I doubt if anyone would call his or her company... Mickey Mouse... Like Mickey Mouse properties or Mickey Mouse acquisitions... Not real flattering.

[Mike W.]

Originally posted by Phil Christenson:

Can I use the name of a character from a well-know book in the name of my company that I plan on starting? I have not found many resources on-line that deal with this issue.

Bonus Points: Guess the name of the character

Thanks everybody!

John Galt

I looked up business names in MN and there are 3 businesses with the name John Galt in them and a number more with just Galt.

[Phil C.]

Mike - Genius. You get 10 extra points.

How did you guess?

I can't imagine having too many problems with this unless we get huge. Prob be safe to check with the lawyer just in case.

Thanks guys.

[Eddie Ziv]

Originally posted by Phil Christenson:

Mike - Genius. You get 10 extra points.

How did you guess?

I can't imagine having too many problems with this unless we get huge. Prob be safe to check with the lawyer just in case.

Thanks guys.

In this great pillar forum of Capitalism it is quite expected to use a fictional name from Ayn Rand's novel...

[Phil C.]

I should've expected as much.

Do you guys like the idea of using the name? Too cliche?

I was thinking that the clients that have read the book would be more likly to choose us over another name with less significance. It would also provide liability protection a some extent - just one more layer of protection then having my own name attached to the company. And the main reason - I love when people who are not familiar with the novel ask, "Who is John Galt?"

[Steve Babiak]

Originally posted by Eddie Ziv:

... Try to use Mickey Mouse and see Disney all over you. Although, come to think of it, I doubt if anyone would call his or her company... Mickey Mouse... Like Mickey Mouse properties or Mickey Mouse acquisitions... Not real flattering.

True story.

Back in the 1980's, there was a go-go bar in the Phila suburbs that called itself "Mickey's Mouse" - until Disney discovered.

[Dave Toelkes]

Better pick another name, John Galt is already a registered business name. John Galt is a contract employment agency in Boston.

On their website, they even acknowledge that the name of their company was inspired by the classic Ayn Rand novel,. http://j-galt.com/