Author Topic: Using Real World devices  (Read 2397 times)

Offline dstorm95

  • Lurker
  • Posts: 1
    • View Profile
Using Real World devices
« on: April 08, 2009, 10:15:21 PM »
One of the things I have always appreciated about the Dresden Files is common things with uncommon uses: paintball guns that shoot cloves of garlic was awesome.

I would like to have a story based in real life Vegas, and potentially replace the owners of the Bellagio, etc, with supernaturals.  How much can I say or get away with saying about real life things without crossing legal boundaries?

Thanks!

Offline meg_evonne

  • Posty McPostington
  • ***
  • Posts: 5264
  • With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony
    • View Profile
Re: Using Real World devices
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2009, 10:40:50 PM »
don't call it an already named casino, nor make the description be of an already named casino.  Have at it..  Who would notice there anyway.  Make sure it's not even recognizable as an already named casino.  I doubt they would bother with the a lawsuit.  A gunshot to the knee is som much quicker and efficient...   :D
"Calypso was offerin' Odysseus immortality, darlin'. Penelope offered him endurin' love. I myself just wanted some company." John Henry (Doc) Holliday from "Doc" by Mary Dorla Russell
Photo from Avatar.com by the Domestic Goddess

Offline Starbeam

  • Posty McPostington
  • ***
  • Posts: 5722
  • Twitter: @stellamortis
    • View Profile
    • Stella Mortis
Re: Using Real World devices
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2009, 11:25:58 PM »
Dunno really what the legalities is on this kinda thing.  I know Ocean's Eleven has a fictional owner of the Bellagio, and the Weather Warden series makes mention of casinos in a couple books, although I don't remember how many of em were real.  The way I look at stuff like this is go ahead and do it how you want, and then later on you can get into the nitty gritty of it and figure out how much you can actually do.  Or something like that.
"You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you." Ray Bradbury

Offline Cathy Clamp

  • Participant
  • *
  • Posts: 79
  • Dances with Segues
    • View Profile
    • C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp Official Website
Re: Using Real World devices
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2009, 12:08:23 AM »
Yeah, I'd suggest a different name as well. You can put a photo by your computer and DESCRIBE it the same, but definitely make a few changes and change the name (which would happen anyway if supernatural owners took over...  ;) )

Good luck with it!
Smiles!
Cathy Clamp
Touch of Evil, USA Today bestseller
Magic's Design, now available everywhere
COLD MOON RISING, coming soon, 8/09. Preorder today!
visit our website to read sample chapters--http://www.ciecatrunpubs.com