Hello. I have a question about using the names of real products and companies in a fictional story I am writing. It is based in England and Scotland and all the characters are purely fictional, but to add a touch of reality I'd like to add some real references, some of which include; The Caledonian Sleeper (train), Pot Noodles, Land Rover, Raleigh bicycles, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Fort George (Historic Scotland). Do I need to seek permission? Are the names protected? Or can I just add them to the story without asking? Thank you in advance for your replies. ANDY
Areas of interest
I don't think slaughtering a Pot noodle will land you in court. The only thing to be aware of is getting facts wrong.
Lots of writers use brands in their stories. I don't think there's any real issue provided you don't defame the product. That's not to say a fictional character can't do the same thing - that's allowed so long as it's in conversation rather than narrative and it's clear any criticism is the character's and not from a narrator.I think most manufacturers/producers/historic sites would be pleased to find their names mentioned in a novel, particularly in a good light - it's free publicity. after all.