Extra: Celebrity Names in Fiction — Tipsy Today

A TIPSY TODAY Extra!! — The Use of Celebrity Names in Fiction (A must read!)

Researching information for Tipsy Today posts for this week, I found something all fiction writers should read!

Is it okay to use celebrity names in your book? This should also be considered when using songs, song artists, and playlists. BE CAREFUL!

"More and more courts are recognizing that celebrities are also self-made brands, and in some legal cases the court has sided with the celebrity. In other words, if the celebrity doesn't like the way they're being portrayed even in a fiction work, they may sue and the court may side with them. Celebrities and public figures may sue if their name is used; they may sue even if their name is not used, but the character in question very strongly reflects the actual celebrity. One celebrity who was accused of theft, and won't be named here, sued a highly popular TV show because her name was casually mentioned between the characters on the show. There are countless examples of fiction works and projects that had to be changed because of lawsuits. So you have to be very careful when you start dropping celebrity names even in a work of fiction." 
(Source: http://Jadevarden.blogspot.com)

For the complete blog, visit Writing 101 blog on the subject: http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/2012/04/writing-101-can-you-use-celebrity-names.html

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