Using real brands in Novels

[AnorexicBatman]

So I am writing an original piece of fiction based on Vampires (OMG! So original!), don't worry it's based on more Hellsing/Dracula than the Twilight stuff. However, what I wanted to ask was that is it possible to mention real world brands and products in books without getting sued or something? Do you have to purchase rights? If so, what is the procedure?

Stuff like Pepsi and such can be replaced with "soda" but what about more specific items? Or what if it is plot relevant? Also, how much is too much? What about the names of books, movies, songs, musicians and say superheroes?

Is using real world brands frowned upon or considered cheesy?
Can I say, "John played on his PlayStation" without the reader rolling his eyes?

 

[ComicChick]

it's always a tight rope

for instance i'm reading a book right now that is full of so much cultural references and product placement, it actually is taking away from the book to me, which isn't that strong in the first place. it feels like name dropping just to be name dropping.

however if it's plot relevant and doesn't take away from the book then i don't see a problem with it

 

[Thebumwhowalks]

Stuff like Pepsi and such can be replaced with "soda" but what about more specific items? Or what if it is plot relevant? Also, how much is too much? What about the names of books, movies, songs, musicians and say superheroes?

Is using real world brands frowned upon or considered cheesy?
Can I say, "John played on his PlayStation" without the reader rolling his eyes?

I was thinking about this last week when i was watching Halloween, because Jamie Lee Curtis picks up all of these comicbooks, and you only see the ads on the back, and she reels off a lot of crappy made up names like 'Laser-Man', when flicking through them.
So, obviously, it being a low budget production, they must have been afraid of someone at DC or Marvel pulling some legal thing on them and asking for a fee if they wanted to use their trademarked names.

But at the same time, late 70s/early 80s, someone is sitting reading a Howard the duck comic in a novel(I think it was a Stephen King novel), and that was cited with no problems afaik.

I would just put whatever real life things you wanted into the story as you see fit, and if the publisher has a problem with any of them, you can then change them to made up names.
and as for mentioning these kinds of things perhaps being cheesey, that is just down to your own creative sensibilities, I think it's better to have real things mentioned, but aye, you don't want to be getting carried away and showing off to your readers all of the stuff you like in the story.
that is what message boards are for of course! haha

 

[Pink Ranger]

I think using real brands is important, because it helps create an atmosphere of familiarity and cultural connection with the reader. Your lead character drinking a shot of Bailey's at the end of the day seems more powerful than drinking a shot of McGee's Creamy Liqueur. Even the Playstation idea, while some may find cheesy, if you're writing for a Gen Y audience, these details are important. Especially if you want to delve into the minutae (i.e. it definitely was a PS3, because your lead character is a hardcore gamer and thinks the Wii is for babies and cheerleaders).

The line should be drawn if the brand is going to be a pivotal plot point, especially in a negative fashion. i.e. if your story is about a soft drink company putting lead and mercury in their drinks, you probably want to use a completely fictional brand.