Bird of Prey

[Droflet]

I'm thinking of using this name for a ship in my next to next book. It's a nick name for a highly stealthy boat, but the very vague reference to 'an old vid' could cause problems. Any thoughts appreciated. Copyright issues perhaps?

 

[Phyrebrat]

I'm not sure what you mean by vid? The only Birdof Prey I've heard is Trekkies referring to K-BOPs and R-BOPs.

And Hanson, of course, and their infernal M-BOPs

pH

 

[Foxbat]

You could have a 'Bird Of Prey' class of ships (and name them Eagle, Hawk etc.). Just thinking out loud with my fingers

 

[The Judge]

If I'm understanding you correctly, you want to use it because of the allusions -- ie someone has seen an old vid of Star Trek and thought it was a neat idea to call the ships that in homage. I can't see that carrying any problems of copyright, but I haven't checked to see if it is copyrighted in connection with space ships (though I'd doubt it).

However, I personally wouldn't use it. And if it's a nickname I'd been even less inclined to want it -- they're usually snappier and funnier (funny to those giving the nicknames, at least...) than this. To me it carries no connotation of stealth, only of aggression.

Is the ship on the side of the goodies or the baddies? If the former, to my mind it's not "warm" enough (ie a name which makes the goodies feel good); if the latter, it's not unpleasant enough. Either way, I'd find something else.

 

[Edward M. Grant]

Ditto. To me, it seems too long for a nickname, and too much of a Trekkie in-joke.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I'm thinking of using this name for a ship in my next to next book. It's a nick name for a highly stealthy boat, but the very vague reference to 'an old vid' could cause problems. Any thoughts appreciated. Copyright issues perhaps?

As both the Klingons and Romulans had "Bird of Prey" ship classes, you're inevitably going to look derivative to many people. However, that's just the English-language term, so why not look at appropriate latin names, such species names, and see if you can plunder something from those? I presume "Raptor" alone might be too indicative of something else.

 

[Locrian]

I just wouldn't explain it. The ship is called what it's called and that's that. Star Trek can't copyright a phrase that is commonly used for something else. Even games workshop failed to copyright the phrase "space marine" which has pretty strong associations with them.

Though, I agree with The Judge that it doesn't sound much like a nickname.

 

[Tim Murray]

I'm thinking of using this name for a ship in my next to next book. It's a nick name for a highly stealthy boat, but the very vague reference to 'an old vid' could cause problems. Any thoughts appreciated. Copyright issues perhaps?

Why not use a name of a bird of prey. That way there will be no legal issues.

 

[MemoryTale]

I always thought they called she ships birds of prey because of the shapes, not the stealth.

I would personally call them owls. Not only are they birds of prey, but owls often have camouflaging plumage to protect them during the daytime.

Edit: A quick google search has thrown up the species Nighthawk, which sounds pretty cool if you don't mind the fact it only eats insects.

 

[ralphkern]

I agree with the general consensus, Drof. In one book you've created a well realized world. If I read you had a Bird-of-Prey ship class, copy righted or not, it would pull me out of the story as I'd think you'd got it straight from Star Trek.

I do appreciate sometimes it can feel all the good names are taken, but surely there is something that is either original or less well known?

I'm guessing that you want a name that suggests a ship (or class) that is quick and lightly armed which gets in, fires then gets out of there before anyone knows what hit them? (that's what the name suggests to me - which seems pretty much how it's used in Star Trek).

Just as a prompt for some animals which seem to hunt in that manner:

From World's 25 deadliest animals (with the cooler names):

Shrikethrush (or just Shrike)
Leopard
Viper
Mosquito (deadliest animal there is!)

Also, there is this resource:

List of ship names of the Royal Navy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Plenty in there to potentially go for.

 

[ratsy]

And those are just animals from earth ^ what about all of the other creatures across the universe...surely aliens will name their ships after them!

I always thought ships names after Dino's would be cool..probably been done I suppose.

 

[Droflet]

Thanks everyone.

 

[psychotick]

Hi,

Ooh! Dinosaurs and birds of prey - have you considered a class of ships called Pterosaurs? Sends shivers down my spine already!

Cheers, Greg.

 

[prizzley]

have you considered a class of ships called Pterosaurs? Sends shivers down my spine already!

Especially if you change the spelling slightly e.g. Terrorsoars.

 

[Droflet]

Thanks guys, all suggestions are appreciated. I think I'll try to do that writing stuff and think of something else.

 

[Piousflea84]

I think the term "Bird of Prey" is vague enough that it can't really be copyrighted/trademarked. However, it's so firmly associated with Star Trek that it's hard to call a spaceship a Bird of Prey without sounding derivative. You could say the same thing about a "Star Destroyer".

If you really wanted to make it a Star Trek reference (ie, your characters openly naming an alien ship after the Klingon BoP), that would depend on whether you can invoke "fair use" of a pop culture reference. "Fair use" in a commercially published novel requires it to have some aspect of parody or satire, ie "Ready Player One" as a tongue in cheek homage to 1980s pop culture.

A novel with a completely serious tone would have a much harder time getting away with pop culture references - and Paramount/Viacom (owners of Star Trek) are well known for cease-and-desisting their fans. (as recently demonstrated by the discontinued fanfilm "Axanar")

 

[David Evil Overlord]

Even games workshop failed to copyright the phrase "space marine" which has pretty strong associations with them.

Space Marine first appeared in a science fiction short story, Captain Bill of the Space Marines (1928). Games Workshop started in 1975(?), and didn't create their Warhammer 40,000 game (with space marines) until 1987.

This has not stopped Games Workshop from suing anyone using Space Marine. Although I have heard rumours the British copyright/intellectual property laws mean they have to sue, or they lose their trademark /copyright.

 

[Dan Jones]

If this is for the story I think it is, then its space-opera setting might be a little too close to the Trekkers' fiefdom.

How about something like "Warbird" instead?

 

[Droflet]

Thanks everyone. A fleeting thought I threw out there. I've moved on. No more bird of prey. Bloody silly idea now that I think on it. But thanks for the input guys. Oh, welcome back DG.

 

[Dan Jones]

Cheers Drof