To what degree can you use someone's identity in a fictional story?

umm... i think that does depend on the person... for example

any story relating to Prince will immediately be removed and you will be taken to court -_- because Prince doesn't like fans.

But also if the stories are slanderous or portray the people in a bad light, then definately they could be on the wrond side of the law...

If you haven't changed the names, then a lot more people will be up in arms... but...

I don't think they can do much seeing as you're not printing it as fact, nor making money from them, and advertising the fact it is fiction

so full steam ahead I say!

:D

hope that helps? xxx

Using their identity, I suspect it depends on the celebrity. If they're mentioned as an aside and you present them in a pretty positive light, I don't think anyone will care.

Using a product, i.e. saying someone was listening to Panic! At the Disco or reading a Tamora Pierce novel, I think is okay, although I'm no expert.

You can also name no names or change them infinitesimally but make it clear who you're talking about.

As long as you don't print their real name you can pretty much write anything about that person...that's why when you see movies that are based on a true story, the only thing they change is the name "to protect the innocent"...otherwise, how can anybody prove that the story is about them? It wouldn't stand a chance in a court of law, especially since you'll also have a disclaimer...

Ciao!

I am not a lawyer but, as long as you are not making money off of their name, and you are not slandering them (Hey, I shot him dead in the road because he is a filthy dirty b*stard) then you are okay.

Reg'ds

Adi