If I am creating a board-game type game, does anyone know if it is legal to use others' names in the game?
ie. A playing card with "George Bush" or "Michael Jackson" on it.
Also, is it the same for brand names?
Answer
I would say no, unless you have been given permission. For example, think of sports games that do not own the rights to the league they are covering. They end up resorting to using similar, but different names to their real life counterparts.
EDIT: I found this discussion about using sports peoples names in websites http://www.linkedin.com/answers/law-legal/property-law/LAW_PRL/566138-50912703 It seems a name itself can not be copyright (so you can use their name in a news article for instance), however if you are benefiting from using their name/image then it is a violation of publicity rights.
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