What is the position if you want to use real people as bit players in a novel? For instance, if I have one of my characters meet President Obama, or go on the Oprah show, or get interviewed by Jeremy Paxman?

I assume they can watch specific televison programmes without a problem, but can I name real people?

If the person is living you should get their permission. Public figures like the president may be considered in the public domain, but entertainment figures are not. But its better to be on the safe side. If you get a publisher for your novel, then will clear things or get you to do a rewrite.

If the person is deceased, it would depend on whether their heirs maintain a copyright. For example, I wouldn't try using Michael Jackson without clearing it with the family.

Ok, thanks. Though I can't imagine how Oprah is not in the public domaine. She's more famous than most royalty.

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Originally Posted by Eileen G

Ok, thanks. Though I can't imagine how Oprah is not in the public domaine. She's more famous than most royalty.

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Its not a matter of fame, it's a matter of copyright control. I am sure that Oprah has trademarked or copyrighted her name so that any non-news reference to her would have to be by permission.