Hi. I'm currently writing a mystery novella, or a novel if it progresses that far, and I'm wondering if I could use Raj for the detective's first name and an American last name. Would this conflict with the copy rights or trade marks of the American TV show "The Big Bang Theory" since it features a character whose first name is also Raj? Another question. My real first name is also Raj. So, is giving my detective's first name as Raj bad practice since I also have that first name but will write with a pen name? what if later my readers discover my first name is Raj. Won't it seem very awkward to them? Thanks for the replies in advance.
Obviously, The Big Bang Theory doesn't own the name. You would be fine there. However, it does seem quite a bit narcissistic to name your main character after yourself.
"Raj" is my image of an Indian man's name, kind of like John for an Anglo-American name. Should be fine.