Avoiding Trademark Troubles in Writing

DETAILS: The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime is pleased to announce the featured speaker at the March 1, 2025, meeting will be Bridges DelPonte.

LOCATION: This will be a Hybrid meeting – William Jervy Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. South, Venice, Florida 34285 https://sistersincrime-org.zoom.us/j/92024856842

DESCRIPTION: How is trademark different from copyright? Can I use trademarks in my fiction writing or my book covers and trailers? Can I fictionalize celebrities who are living or dead in my novels? Author and former law professor Lucille Ponte (pen name: Bridges DelPonte) will explore what trademarks mean and trademark protections under trademark infringement and dilution, and personal branding issues, including the right of publicity. She’ll discuss instances of fair use of trademarks in our fiction and some potential risks for authors regarding making infringing book covers or merchandise, putting trademarks/brands in a negative light, and inserting living or deceased persons in fiction works. Links to online resources and videos will also be provided. (FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY/NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE.)

BIO: A legal educator for more than 31 years, Lucille Ponte (pen name: Bridges DelPonte) taught a wide range of business law and intellectual property courses. She’s written textbooks on dispute resolution and contract law and recently published the women’s history anthology, She Soars: Trailblazing Female Pilots in Florida (Pineapple Press). Her legal mystery, Deadly Sacrifices, A Marguerite Montez Mystery, won a Royal Palm Literary Award (2d place - unpublished mystery) from the Florida Writers Association. She has also published an underwater fantasy novel, Bridles of Poseidon, a children's book, The Little Dusties - The Roar of the Silver Dragon (with illustrator, Michelle Bakay), and numerous short stories in anthologies. To learn more about Bridges, check out her author website: https://bridgesdelponte.wordpress.com.
Social Media Links: Lucille "Lu" Ponte (Pen name: Bridges DelPonte)
E-mail: bridgesdelponte@yahoo.comAuthor
website: https://bridgesdelponte.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridges.delponte/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/bridgesdelponte
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/bridgesdelponte