Can I use the name of a real crime gang?

[harmonica44]

In that last script I mentioned I had proofread before, I used the name of a real current gang in it, and was just wondering if that's an okay idea, or at least not too unsafe? I assume it's probably okay, since movies have done it before, such as the KKK used a lot for example. The names of the gang members, are fictionalized, as well as their characterizations.

 

[brettzdamn]

In that last script I mentioned I had proofread before, I used the name of a real current gang in it, and was just wondering if that's an okay idea, or at least not too unsafe? I assume it's probably okay, since movies have done it before, such as the KKK used a lot for example. The names of the gang members, are fictionalized, as well as their characterizations.

Im pretty sure it is leagle because i dont think any one who is in a gang is smart enough to copy write their name. But is it safe? ummm idk if i would use a real gang name just for the fact that they are in gangs because they would kill people for no reason....You know what i mean?

 

[NickClapper]

I think the least of your problems with this idea is encountering a particularly litigious 'crime gang'.

If you used the name of my crime gang (The Badger Bandits) we'd pop a cap in your ass. Just saying. That's where I'd be careful.

 

[SiCurious]

Bill Hicks talked about the Hooligans a lot and look what happened to him

Be safe, dude.

 

[chilipie]

You can't copyright your name (although you could trademark it).

When it comes to talking about specific gangs, there's a line not to cross if you want to avoid litigation (and losing any bodily extremities). Talking about the KKK (a hate group rather than a crime gang), the Mafia, the Triads etc. would probably be fine, because there are so many members and local chapters that you're not targeting a small group of people. If you were to mention The Badger Bandits, a small group of career criminals from London, however, it becomes fairly obvious exactly who you are talking about.

While being sued by a crime gang for defamation is incredibly unlikely, it's not that ridiculous to imagine an individual taking issue if they feel they are being libelled if you use their name for a character involved in criminal activity. If, as you say, you won't be using any real names/basing any of the gang on real people then I wouldn't be too concerned, but then I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV.

 

[harmonica44]

Well the gang I would be using is the Red Scorpions which resides in Vancouver, where the story takes place. The members have tattoos that say RS on their shoulders, which I also need for the script as a mark for other characters to identify them. But of course the director or whoever made the script into a movie would come up with his or her own font for the tattoos and not use the real look of the logo.

 

[Dreadylocks]

Bill Hicks talked about the Hooligans a lot and look what happened to him

Be safe, dude.

Yeah those rotten gangs and their pancreatic-cancer-causing bullets.

 

[Tinalera]

I think the least of your problems with this idea is encountering a particularly litigious 'crime gang'.

If you used the name of my crime gang (The Badger Bandits) we'd pop a cap in your ass. Just saying. That's where I'd be careful.

Aha! The game's afoot! I've been hunting your gang for years my friend, now you've been outed! I like you to come downtown with me for a little natter about a couple of incidents.....



I have to say myself that using a crime gang name, as others have suggested, well, may not be the healthiest to do, and you really want to be careful.

 

[Defjon]

Yeah those rotten gangs and their pancreatic-cancer-causing bullets.

whoa, when did they start making those?!

 

[arrodiii]

You can't copyright your name (although you could trademark it).

I think that the Hell's Angels have both copyrighted and trademarked both their name and logo

 

[harmonica44]

Talk about incriminated yourself or leaving a mark. Hard to deny that you are part of a gang, when it's on a trademark record.

 

[JakeSully]

I dunno.
People who show a lot about gangs tend to die of bullet infection.

 

[FantasySciFi]

Can you and should you are two different questions. A more important question, "What stops you from just making one up?" It's your script after all. The audience won't know or care if there's a "Thompson Street Gang". There are always new gangs that pop up. It bypasses the issues and concerns raised. Oy! Harmonica, keep things simple for yourself.

 

[harmonica44]

I just thought it would be more interesting to you use a real organization.

 

[Jamster]

H, careful using a 'real' gang - they might send you a 'real' msg...

 

[harmonica44]

Is it possible a real crime gang would feel honored out of all the gangs I could have picked I chose them lol.

 

[FantasySciFi]

Perhaps. What about the ones who get upset that you didn't pick them? Especially their jealous rival gangs. Seems rather lose/lose selecting a real gang name. Elevating them, makes them bigger targets. In turn you become a bigger target perhaps to them, perhaps to a rival gang. I think that's what everyone has tried to suggest.

 

[harmonica44]

I guess. There is also another gang in the same city, called the United Nations. Would I be able to use that gang name, since it's not an original name, and they themselves took it from the UN? It's different than using an original name.

 

[Murdock]

I have an idea. Picture this: The Rainbow Street Jelly Boyz. Whatdaya think??

 

[kinglis]

Of course you can.

The question is do u want to use the real name of the gang, when you are a God of your story. Why should you limit yourself with a current reality, when you can go wild?