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
2010-08-19 18:34:17
I think (s)he's concerned that it might a social faux pas.
pessimopoppotamus
2010-08-19 18:35:35
@pessimopoppotamus - exactly. I just didn't know this word. Thanks
Art Shayderov
2010-08-19 18:50:23
@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
2010-08-19 18:52:13
@S.Lott - okay, both
Art Shayderov
2010-08-19 18:53:06
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
2010-08-19 19:07:26
+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
2010-08-19 18:34:55
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
2010-08-19 18:44:18
@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
2010-08-19 18:51:21
@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
2010-08-19 19:06:07
+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
2010-08-19 18:36:00
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
2010-08-19 18:41:01
"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
2010-08-19 18:56:40