Are WWII airplane names copyrighted?

News & General Discussion
1

I remember hearing something about a lawsuit against the guys from IL-2 but have heard nothing since.

We want to make an arcade flight sim in both European and Pacific WWII theatres, but I don’t know if there are any issues for using “Spitfire” and “Messerschmidtt” and alikes…

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks.

2

“Spitfire” and “Messerschmidtt”

I could be wrong but the general rule is, A noun such as Spitfire can not be copy written. (look up public domain) but a name like “Messerschmidtt” would be protected since the actual family company “Messerschmidtt” is still around.

I would use the nomencclature, BF-109/JU88 for instance.

Jim Cullen

3

Jim,

Thanks for a prompt response.

Much appreciated :slight_smile: