Character Name - Copyright

[Rosie]

Hello!

Does copyright law protect the name of a film or TV character?

So, for example, if I wanted to write a novel and name my character Edward Scissorhands, Holly Golightly or Mary Poppins, is that allowed?

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

Character names are not copyrighted. They can be trademarked if the work is named for the character (such as Edward Scissorhands and Mary Poppins). Also, secondary characters can be trademarked in cases of merchandising.

[Jim]

And the owners of trademarks have to actively defend them, unlike copyright, so they would probably descend on you like the hounds of war.

[Xanxa]

Except in the case of fanfiction, I can't imagine why anyone would want to use a high-profile character name from an established and well-known book, TV or movie franchise.

I suppose there's the chance that an extreme fan might do a deed poll to change their name to that of a beloved character. Or a parent might name their child after their favourite fictional hero or heroine. I don't know how that would sit with the owners of the trademark. I'd avoid it if at all possible.

It's probably OK if you were to use say the first name of a well-known character and have your so-named character explain that their parents named them Dorothy because they loved Wizard of Oz, or Harry because they loved Harry Potter. But to use the whole name might be asking for trouble.

[Rosie]

Thanks for your feedback.

The name I chose (Hengist Pod) was a character from an old (1964) British comedy, part of a much larger franchise of films.

I discovered a website stating "All details are trademarked and copyrighted by their respective producers. All character and location names are also copyright."

So it looks like I'll be looking for another name.

Best to err on the side of caution.

[Valerie]

Rosie wrote: "Thanks for your feedback.

The name I chose (Hengist Pod) was a character from an old (1964) British comedy, part of a much larger franchise of films.

I discovered a website stating "All details ..."

Ah, Carry On Cleo! A classic ;)

I think you're right not to use it though, given what you've said about copyright and all.