Legal Question in Personal Injury in Illinois

Using real names in an autobiography
I am writing a history of a national subculture which will based upon my own experiences as a Chicagoan. There will be instances in which I'd like to reference or mention individuals I have met or interacted with.

Out of respect for their privacy I will either alter or completely change these individual's names, however I would like to include photos of things associated with these people, such as their business cards (which again I will alter or completely change their names, emails, and phone numbers) or possessions such as automobiles (again with the license plate removed or altered).

Provided I avoid any negative connotations or references to these individuals, am I exposing myself to potential legal claims by including them in my recounting of my personal experiences?

Thanks!

Asked on 4/14/05, 4:08 pm

Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

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Re: Using real names in an autobiography

Hello. I am fascinated by the subject matter

of your writing. I suggests that you contact

and obtain the written permission of the people

that you may depict in your writings assuming these are "private" people and not people who

may be "public figures." Although, the law has changed and public figures now have greater latitude to file lawsuits for defamation of

character. In a nutshell, I am urging you to

be careful and to obtain legal counsel to guide

you so that you can avoid a defamation lawsuit. If you have any additional questions, I will be

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