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Have I gone too far or am I all right?
I've been looking up copyright infringement on www.copyright.gov, but they aren't really clear.
I've used references on a work I've been writing, but I'm wondering if I can be sued.
You're allowed to use small notes and whatnot, but the information wasn't to clear.
Here's what I've used.
Reference: A Comic book Character named Spawn
“A old-world character named Spawn from the nineteen-nineties. It seems he’s had a revival of late.”
Reference: King Kong
“Oh my god, Kong!”
Reference: The Marines
Faction
Reference: The Vatican
Faction
Can you make reference of the Pope?
Reference: Spain
Faction
Reference: The Nazis
Terrorists
Reference: The Bible
Quotes and character references
Reference: Artwork
“You know, I’ve never seen The Last Supper before.”
Reference: Shakespeare
There is this whole seen where two characters have secret meeting in an acting theater and Romeo and Juliet is playing.
Reference: Geographical Areas
There is use of actual cities and geographical locations.
I do have a disclaimer... I wonder if it's appropriate...
Disclaimer:
Some material may not be suitable for those who are over reactive to fictional situations. In this sense, I offer this disclaimer. This disclaimer is a notice that by continuing in the tale, I cannot be held responsible for any believed harm.
This story will include:
Descriptions of violence, blood, and gore.
Suggestive themes.
Negative References (Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, ect.).
Taboo subjects.
Language (strong, mild, foul, ect.).
Special developments for this writing (Language, terms, culture, ect.).
Scientific theories and facts (Mutation, evolution, chemistry, ect.).
Religious theories and/or individual beliefs (Christianity, Bakirism, Atheism, ect.).
Bias views projected by the characters (Race, nationality, religion, ect.).
This story may include:
Mischief (comic, childish, mature, dark, ect.).
Humor (comic, childish, mature, dark, ect.).
Quotes.
Gambling.
References of Fear.
Sexual suggestions.
Positive groups portrayed negatively, or negative groups portrayed positively.
Controversial issues (Stem cells, biological weapons, suicide, ect.).
Dialects and/or languages that may not be understood or identified.
And of course all things that, for some reason, are found offensive in the story that are not listed above.
Note:
All views expressed in this novel are the opinions of the fictional characters.
Any resemblance to persons or events, actual or not, is merely coincidental.
All historical names and events employed are not held to actual account.
Ect.= Etcetera
I think that about covers it.
2 Answers
- Anonymous10 years agoFavorite Answer
This reminded me of a book that I read not too long ago that had lyrics of songs quoted at the beginning of each chapter. At the end of the book, there is an acknowledgements page that said:
'While all reasonable efforts have been made to trace and acknowledge copyright holders of the lyrics reproduced in this publication, we apologise should there have been any errors or omissions'.
Then for each song used, the title of the song, who sang it, who wrote it and who published it. E.g. one song was:
'Should I Stay Or Should I go?' - The Clash
Words and music written by Strummer/Jones. Published by Universal Music
Publishing [copyright symbol] 1981. All rights reserved.
So you could do any acknowledgements page for any directly taken quotes.
However, I don't think you need to reference geographical areas or people (Bible characters don't need to be referenced I don't think)
You should only acknowledge direct quotations taken from other people's work and fictional characters to show that you are not claiming to have created them.
Source(s): The book I'm referring to is 'Six Steps To A Girl' by Sophie McKenzie - sheltownLv 510 years ago
Referencing other works in your novel is not copyright infringement unless you are copying words, dialogue, or descriptions directly from the work of art. You cannot copyright a title or place name, either.
So if someone says "That reminds me of 'King Kong.'" that's perfectly legal. All the references you list are fine.
Your disclaimer seems quite unneeded. And et cetera is abbreviated "etc." not "ect."