Posted by Duke_of_Fluke at 194.129.43.14 on February 21, 2000 at 01:51:25:
In Reply to: Xena could take 'em both, no contest. posted by Chiusano on February 21, 2000 at 01:38:11:
: I might very well be wrong, but I don't think that you can be *legally* forced to alter your name just because a colleague shares it. I think that most do it as a way to distinguish themselves, but I'm almost positive that they cannot be forced to do so. But as for band names, that's a whole different score there. That *is* a copywrighted name. That can be considered a form of plagurism, I believe.
: And there are so many damn Kevin Smiths in the world that I find it hard to believe that some douchebag New Zealander specializing in god-awful syndicated programs can officially make himself the One True Definitive Kevin Smith.
: But I never knew that tidbit about Keaton. I just got a leg up on my next game of Trivial Pursuit.
: Chiusano
Well, yeah, thrilled to have helped you look a little more smug. Arf!
I hope you're right. In the real world, who gives a damn who shares who's name - personally, I share my entire name (that's 2 middle names too) with some Admiral in the Royal Navy, and you wouldn't believe the amusing mix-ups that have happened there (really, you wouldn't - can't seem to make up anything plausible).
However, I guess in terms of Box Office and studios, Kevin is kind of a product, almost certainly a brand-name. Hercules is also the kinda thing that digs brand names, and if Herc and Xena decide to do a Star Trek and start making movies once the TV is done, there could be fireworks. Take the IMDB thing - I bet there's at least one whoreclown in the world who now thinks that Ares from Xena lost weight, was surgically shortened and for some inexplicable reason, turned up in a horror sequel with some weird-lookin blonde kid that he's never seen before. Stranger things happen at sea (I should know, I'm an admiral).
And besides, if there isn't a problem with having different names, why aren't there more doubles around? And why do people like Tarquin Quarantino change theirs in the first place?
As for bands plagurising... when's someone gonna tell Oasis that stealing is against the rules?