Are you allowed to put a band name in the story you are writing?

Question

My friend is writing a story (not for educational purposes) and she is wondering whether or not she is allowed to write the name of a band in the story. Or is it copyright infringement? And if she is allowed to, are there any rules to putting the band name? Like, for example, putting it in quotation marks or underlining, or italics?

xx.

Answer 1

I read a book that had the name cat stevens in it. I think u can use it if ur lyk My best friend was going 2 SO AND SOS concert.

Maybe it would b good for the band if the book sells loads.

GOOD LUK 2 UR FRIEND

Answer 2

If you are writing for yourself, then go ahead.  If you are selling the book, then you may want to talk to them.  

Answer 3

i think so. like if you were putting, "I was listening to All Time Low when my phone rang." or something that.

Answer 4

You can use the name of a real band or solo artist in fiction, so long as you don't malign them. If your characters react in a neutral or positive way, you're fine. If your plot requires the band be awful so your characters can react negatively, or needs the band to be evil in some way, you'd better make up a band name and be sure no real band with that name exists. (Best bet: Make up a first and last name, plus a band name, like Maryn Bittner and the YA Questioners.)