Screenwriting : Oh, shit, here I go again... by Stefano Pavone

Stefano Pavone

Oh, shit, here I go again...

Hey, guys.

As some of you know, I have written a novel entitled "Icon of the Defender", which has been adapted into a trilogy of screenplays. A few days ago, during one of my many gaming nights on my Amiga computer, I remembered that I had inadvertently named my book (and scripts) after a magic artifact in an FPS/RPG videogame entitled "Hexen" (and, by extension, its sequel, "Hexen 2"). I am now more than a little bit concerned regarding the legality of this title, as I do not wish to face a tribunal. Is it something to be concerned about?

S.

Craig D Griffiths

Hexen is the German word for witch. No one can own a word. If you stole the story line, characters or aspects of the story. Then you are up shit creek.

Thomas Moore

If you took inspiration and used the word hexen or used the description of hexen in the game as your title, you would be fine. It's too little to have a legal problem with I think. As Craig said, if you used certain characters or storylines that might be a different story.

Stefano Pavone

What I meant to say was the novel is named after the magic artifact "Icon of the Defender" from the Hexen games, not the novel is named "Hexen". :)

Maurice Vaughan

I suggest talking to an entertainment lawyer or intellectual property lawyer, Stefano Pavone.

Dan MaxXx

Don't sweat it. They are all specs. Nobody's expecting anything.

Get reads on the novel. If a legit publishing company wants your novel to publish, they got a team of editors & lawyers.

Stephen Folker

I wouldn't fret about it. Plus you can always reach out to attorney for a one hour consult and get their advice.

Moral of story, when in doubt, leave it out.

Stefano Pavone

Thank you, all of you. :) I now know what I must do.

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Stefano Pavone.

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