location, location, location

[peyton67]

Hi, folks-
I have a general question about use of a real location in a novel or work of fiction- Disney World, etc.
Is this a violation of copyright? Is this allowed? If I wrote a novel that took place in Disney World, or Sea World, might I get sued?

I have seen such works that are not published by the company, but thought I'd ask the experts!
Thanks,

[CaoPaux]

Business names and such are protected by trademark, not copyright. That aside, as long as you aren't trashing the company in question or alleging wrong doing, you should be fine. Publishers have lawyers on hand to vet for problems, so you'd be notified whether anything needs to be changed, or cleared with the company in question.

[incognitopress]

I think it's totally fine. If anything comes up, the Search-and-Replace function can turn Sea World into Marine World, etc.

[shaldna]

It's fine. Just don't accuse Dinsney World or being in league with the devil, or of secretly kidnapping and torturing visitors.


James we talked about this. Those guns were real!