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141

answers:

3

I need about 10 sample contacts to prepare screen shots. Is it okay to use dead writers names with 555 phone numbers? Like "Mark Twain +1 (555) 4567777". I'm from Russia and I think it's perfectly okay, but I have to show it to Americans. I don't want to get sued or something. I don't even want them to raise eyebrows you know like "those Russians, they don't have respect for anything". Thanks

+2  A: 

Of course it's ok - you can use anyones name living or dead - names aren't copyright.

Maybe keep away from the names of dictators/criminals - but other than that no one should have a problem. In fact if it makes test data more memorable and so easy to discuss it could be an advantage.

James Gaunt
I think (s)he's concerned that it might a social faux pas.
pessimopoppotamus
@pessimopoppotamus - exactly. I just didn't know this word. Thanks
Art Shayderov
@pessimopoppotamus: "I don't want to get sued or something." doesn't sound like a "social faux pas". It sounds like very real fear of American lawyers.
S.Lott
@S.Lott - okay, both
Art Shayderov
Avoid using the names of politicians is you seek to avoid faux pas. With today's political climate, it's nearly impossible to avoid offending or at least irritating somebody with making mention of a politician.
Adam Crossland
+2  A: 

Please, use famous Americans for test data. A name cannot be copyrighted.

Just don't make "extensive" quotes from their works.

S.Lott
+1 for famous names.
Icode4food
The Rock might disagree, but I do think that S. Lott is correct. Certainly, you are free to use fictional names from works that have fallen out of copyright protection, too.
Adam Crossland
@Adam Crossland: However, "fallen out of copyright" is sometimes hard to establish for some works. There are some gaps in copyright durations that may have created orphan works. Or may not. But a name taken out of context is not an "extensive" quotation.
S.Lott
@Adam Crossland: The Rock can't copyright "The Rock". He can trademark it, however. He can try to copyright his catch phrases, you smell what I'm cooking?
S.Lott
Quite right, S.
Adam Crossland
+1  A: 

I don't think Mark Twain is going to care at this point. At the very least it shows your customers that you know an American author!

I'd stay away from emotionally-charged names though. Like "Weird Al" Yankovic or Alfred E. Newman.

Kidding.

John at CashCommons
Mark Twain is cool, but I wouldn't use Michael Jackson. I believe his name is protected somehow, same as Elvis (trademarked perhaps? I heard a radio show discussing it some time ago). I know, MJ and EP are songwriters/performers, but it's sufficiently close to poetry I thought I'd bring it up.Emerson, Whitman, Twain...all good.
Jay
"believe his name is protected somehow, same as Elvis (trademarked perhaps? " Trademark has nothing to do with copyright. The name can be used in sample data. If they actually did take out trademark protection, you can't infringe on Elvis or Michael Jackson as performers or composers. This question doesn't seem to involve an illegal knock-off of "Hound Dog" sold under the Elvis Presley name.
S.Lott