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Are randomly generated names copyrighted? ...maybe. A random algorithm can generate a sequence of alphabetic characters which spell out a copyrighted name. The fact that the name was randomly ge...
Answer
#3: Attribution notice added
by
System
·
2019-12-08T10:45:25Z (about 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41780 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision
by
Henry Taylor
·
2019-12-08T10:45:25Z (about 5 years ago)
Are randomly generated names copyrighted? ...maybe. A random algorithm can generate a sequence of alphabetic characters which spell out a copyrighted name. The fact that the name was randomly generated neither guarantees that it is not copyrighted, nor protects you from the consequences of violating that copyright or trademark. Beyond those legal failings, random name generators also waste the incredible opportunity which naming provides an author. Names, like every other word which describes a character (or planet or corporation), should help the reader visualize and understand the entity it is attached too. Subtle meanings can be hidden in names which can give readers a clue as to how this might evolve. If your hero has a trusted assistant named Judas, your readers might be hesitant to share your hero's trust in that man. This can lead them to accurately predict or completely misread upcoming events in the story to very entertaining affect. Don't waste your naming opportunities on a random throw of the dice. Pick up a thesaurus and let your creativity free.
#1: Imported from external source
by
System
·
2019-01-30T22:43:53Z (almost 6 years ago)
Original score: 1