If I mention brand names or existing shops/restaurants in my book, do I need to ask for their permission?

Question

I'm planning on writing a book. Now in the book, I may mention certain known brand names, restaurants, companies. For instance, I may write about the protagonist going to McDonald's. Do I need to ask for their permission to mention them in the book? If I do, what is the process behind that? Thanks!

Answer 1

It will really depend on your usage & how each company guards & views their trademarks. Be sure to give proper credit. I'd strongly suggest running your particular plans by a trademark attorney, to be on the safe side.

I found an interesting discussion forum about this very topic; perhaps someone here can share their personal experiences: http://www.clubpwc.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46&PN=1

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

No, you don't have to ask permission, but if something really untoward happens at the McDonald's, they could always sue you for libel, especially if you publish the book in the UK (tougher libel laws than the US). Although come to think, it would probably be the publisher who would be sued, and they would know not to publish your book if they were likely to get into trouble.

Answer 3

No, you don't. The trouble is, I would still advise against too much of it. You don't want to come across like a Pop Art author a la Updike.

Answer 4

Maybe you don't because it would be free advertising to them. But I would get in touch with their corporate dept. to find out for sure. You would not want to write and use them and then if you make it big they might want to sue for the use of their name. I would check with them first just to be sure.

Answer 5

yes if you dont it would be ilegal

Answer 6

No