Could I use the name "Corvian" in a book?

[Alienslayer2406]

I'm not sure if this is fitting here but I have a burning question that needs answering.

I'm looking into writing my own sci-fi novel series. When I try to name various things (alien species, characters, etc.), I come up with words that sound like something you'd hear in science fiction and just go with it; I pretty much just throw words at the wall and see what sticks.

Something that's proved to be an incredible plot element is a species I have that is basically the stereotypical "ancient aliens we know nothing about", kinda like the Forerunners or Protheans. I used my genius technique and came up with the name "Corvian".

I decided to check Google to make sure the idea is at least somewhat original when I learned about the Corvian Knights. I'm just wondering if I could use this name without penalty, as the actual species in question looks nothing like birds and I really like this name.

I'm not sure if anyone here has any experience with writing, but worth a shot, right?

[Excalibur]

This is a question for your eventual publisher or a copyright lawyer if you're self publishing.

[Alienslayer2406]

Originally posted by Excalibur:

This is a question for your eventual publisher or a copyright lawyer if you're self publishing.

So I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there. It should be awhile, I haven't even started worldbuilding yet.

[Sparhawk 59]

You cannot obtain a copyright registration for one word. Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. A copyright only exists for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. ... So if you have invented a word, you cannot claim it as your own word that no one else can use.Jul 9, 2020

[Alienslayer2406]

Originally posted by Sparhawk 55:

You cannot obtain a copyright registration for one word. Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. A copyright only exists for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. ... So if you have invented a word, you cannot claim it as your own word that no one else can use.Jul 9, 2020

I'm not trying to copyright the word, I'm asking if I could be penalized by using the name.

[Sparhawk 59]

Originally posted by Alienslayer2406:

Originally posted by Sparhawk 55:

You cannot obtain a copyright registration for one word. Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. A copyright only exists for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. ... So if you have invented a word, you cannot claim it as your own word that no one else can use.Jul 9, 2020

I'm not trying to copyright the word, I'm asking if I could be penalized by using the name.

That tells you a word can't be copyright so you should be good to use it

[Jäveln]

think its safe since i googled it and well found this https://www.corvian.org/

[Alienslayer2406]

Originally posted by Sparhawk 55:

Originally posted by Alienslayer2406:

I'm not trying to copyright the word, I'm asking if I could be penalized by using the name.

That tells you a word can't be copyright so you should be good to use it

Thank you.

[꧁SoyJam(Robofaciola) er barber]

Originally posted by Alienslayer2406:

I'm not sure if this is fitting here but I have a burning question that needs answering.

I'm looking into writing my own sci-fi novel series. When I try to name various things (alien species, characters, etc.), I come up with words that sound like something you'd hear in science fiction and just go with it; I pretty much just throw words at the wall and see what sticks.

Something that's proved to be an incredible plot element is a species I have that is basically the stereotypical "ancient aliens we know nothing about", kinda like the Forerunners or Protheans. I used my genius technique and came up with the name "Corvian".

I decided to check Google to make sure the idea is at least somewhat original when I learned about the Corvian Knights. I'm just wondering if I could use this name without penalty, as the actual species in question looks nothing like birds and I really like this name.

I'm not sure if anyone here has any experience with writing, but worth a shot, right?

Sure you can, it's not a word invented and trademarked by From Software in any capacity.

[Scuzz]

Originally posted by Sparhawk 55:

You cannot obtain a copyright registration for one word. Copyright does not protect names, titles, slogans, or short phrases. A copyright only exists for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. ... So if you have invented a word, you cannot claim it as your own word that no one else can use.Jul 9, 2020

If I remember correctly the reason you don't see Hobbitt used in other books is because Tolkien owned that. Elves and Dwarves were already out there but not Hobitts.

[FTZ35]

Corvians in the game are basically bird people and their name comes from the Latin word Corvus, which means crow.

[Alienslayer2406]

Originally posted by FTZ35:

Corvians in the game are basically bird people and their name comes from the Latin word Corvus, which means crow.

Yeah, I'm thinking about a name change since the aliens wouldn't look like birds. Might keep it though; you never know.