Copyright and Script
I am currently working on a film script and am unsure of the following. Is it legal for my characters to talk and express an opinion on a copyrighted item (such as a video game, movie, music, characters withing movies, etc)? This would include specifically mentioning names of companies and their copyrighted items.
Re: Copyright and Script
Not a copyright issue but rather one of trademark law. Unless you imply "sponsorship or affiliation" with the owner of a trademark mentioned in your script, or disparage the products bearing the mark, you have no issue. Fine to have your characters drink a Coke, smoke a Camel, etc., as this simply reflects reality; by so doing, you are not "using" the trademark within the language of the federal trademark law.
Best wishes,
LDWG
