trademark
Can I use the name of a TV serial / movie for my novel
<p>I am planning to write a novel in which the name of one of my character is Agent X but I found out that it has been used as a name of a TV serial.</p>

<p>Under US laws: If your use of an existing trademark (not to mention a REGISTERED trademark) can be viewed as "likely to create confusion" among consumers, as to the source and affiliation of your works, then it would be (by definition) a trademark infringement.  In theory, you would need permission from each and every owner of a confusingly similar brand, i.e., in related fields.  </p>

<p>However, it is not generally a trademark infringement to write ABOUT existing goods or services and reference their trademarks, especially if your writing clearly disclaims any affiliation or sponsorship.</p>
