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Quick Question
I am writing a romantic novel where the main character has SMA type 2. I don’t want to spoil anything, but 1 of her friends has a new son with SMA type 1. In the chapter I’m writing right now, They find out about A new treatment option Spinraza (It is set in the past).
My question is: Can I use the name Spinraza or should I make up a different name?
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3 Replies
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Hey! I’m not sure if you can mention Spinraza, but I asked an AI bot, and here’s what it said:
Trademark Law – Trademarks protect brands from being used in a way that causes confusion or implies endorsement. Simply mentioning a brand-name drug (e.g., “He took a Tylenol for his headache”) is usually fine because it’s factual and not misleading. However, using it in a way that could tarnish the brand’s reputation (e.g., implying that it causes harm without evidence) could lead to legal trouble.
Defamation – If you depict a drug in a false or negative light (e.g., saying a real medication causes severe side effects it doesn’t actually have), the company might claim defamation or product disparagement.
Fair Use – In fiction and non-fiction, mentioning real-world products for realism is generally allowed. However, if the drug plays a major role in the book (e.g., a fictional plot about a major scandal involving a real drug), legal risks increase.
FDA Regulations – If you’re writing non-fiction or something medical-related, be careful not to misrepresent a drug’s intended use or effects, as the FDA has strict guidelines about misleading health claims.
Hopefully this helps! Very cool that you’re writing a book!
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I personally don’t believe that you would be able to use that name. I would just make up a different name or alter it in some way to play on the safe side but that’s just my opinion
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Thank you
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