If you use the name something like a book or music band in a story, do you have to get permission?

Question

If you use the name of a band or story or movie or book or character that's already been done, but you don't take it as your own creation, do you have to get permission to use the name? Do the requirements differ depending on the type of thing you're using (a movie title versus a character name from a movie)?

Answer 1

You can't refer to specific people in situations that haven't happened though. It could get you into serious trouble, but mentioning an Ozzy Osborne or Bette Midler concert is okay. If you compare one of your characters to Jane Eyre or Winnie the Pooh, you're okay. If you reference a character, it's okay. You just can't tell stories about those people without permission.

Answer 2

You can refer to literary characters, or other people's works, or bands etc without needing specific permission. You might run into trouble if you tried to use a character in someone elses book in your own if the book is still under copyright.