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Q&A I've just found that my character has similar characteristics to another with the same name

Yes, I believe you will have to change your character's name. I'm not a lawyer, but I believe if the name is trademarked, you can't use it, and you probably can't use anything like it for such a s...

posted 5y ago by Amadeus‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

Answer
#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-19T22:13:56Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/48463
License name: CC BY-SA 4.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T13:07:38Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/48463
License name: CC BY-SA 4.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T13:07:38Z (almost 5 years ago)
# Yes, I believe you will have to change your character's name.

I'm not a lawyer, but I believe if the name is trademarked, you can't use it, and you probably can't use anything like it for such a similar character.

The **idea** of combining these two species is not copyrighted; but a trademark is different than a copyright: A jury can decide anything similar to the trademarked symbol, word or phrase is a violation, you trying to cash in on the fame of the existing work. Even if that is untrue (nearly everybody denies it, just denying it, even under oath, is not a convincing argument.) It is their judgment call, even if they do believe you: If the names are too similar, you are in violation of trademark and liable for damages, end of story. You cannot profit using that name.

Bite the bullet and change the name to something that nobody will think is remotely close to "elezebra".

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2019-10-08T13:36:30Z (about 5 years ago)
Original score: 5