Using IRL Companies

[FieryLou]

I'm currently planning an urban slice-of-life novel and am curious if someone could sue the shit out of me if I use their company.

Context: I don't plan to let any of them be viewed in a sinister way, but more integrated into daily life. Like, using an iPhone, driving a Porsche, wearing, I don't know, Adidas—you get what I mean...

Would those giants care about a small-timer like me???

 

[Prince_Azmiran_Myrian]

Legally distinct names.
Use them instead.
They can be funny and help you avoid legal trouble.

 

[ArcadiaBlade]

Basically just copy everything but slap it with another name. The good old chinese marketing strategy.

 

[MasterY001]

No, they won't. Even traditionally published novels can use are allowed to use IPs. Besides, you only get in trouble for copyright if you get caught.

Still, back up everything just to be safe.

 

[melchi]

As long as you don't try to monetize it, then you can claim fair use.

 

[Representing_Tromba]

Just call them the same with one letter off like Mgronalds or Burger Queen.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

This is a trademark issue. If my limited understanding of the laws are correct, as long as you don't use the company in way that sheds a negative light on them, or in a way that implies you own the trademark, you should be fine. If in doubt, contact an actual IP lawyer, not random people on the internet.

 

[Lysander_Works]

It should be fine especially if you don't hold them in any negative light. By technicality, it can become a legal issue, but if it ever does, that very same company would be unable to hide the fact that they would be trying to ruin some random author's life for simply mentioning their name/brand, which is very bad PR for them anyway.

I used Walmart as a setting in one of my stories and haven't been contacted yet, and also make mention of Yamaha, a company that makes good Waverunners (in the book it is basically free advertising). Definitely matters though if your book is controversial in anyway. I would personally avoid doing so if say, i don't know, the book contains plenty of smut loli-harem, or politics, since the mere theme could then be twisted into "defamation by association"
Footnote: I am not a lawyer.

 

[J.Morikami]

i have recently added a funny version in my novel. In the end they will sue you. i have used them like

“They’re compatible with T-Box, Jolly-Station, Retendo, Vaga…hell, even RealReal Engine.”