Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

Hi!

I am writing a book at have a question about content I can use. There are personal life-stories that I have read online and in books as well as personal life-stories I've seen on YouTube and television that pertain to my book- they are true real-life stories from people's lives and I'd like to use the story in my book, I was wondering if I'm able to use the story or if I'm able to use their name, or am I able to simply use the story and say I found it on YouTube and cannot use their personal information for legal purposes? Or do I have to get their permission?


Asked on 5/07/14, 3:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

Generally you can legally use the overall stories, but not copy the text or images. You should change the names if you want to be safe. Using the name or likeness of someone for commercial purposes can violate their publicity rights. You have to be careful how you market your book to not violate publicity rights.

You need to write your own content not swipe someone else's content. Ideas and themes, likely okay, exact text for sure not okay.

Read more
Answered on 7/24/14, 2:09 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Intellectual Property questions and answers in Illinois