(Continued from previous message)

RS> Interesting question come to think of it. Bet you could
RS> get away with using most of them as personal names.

BG> Probably.

Yeah, I think Bob is right, I think it likely is one of the loopholes.

BG> My guess is that Collins' lawyers would need to prove intent.

Nope its got nothing to do with that, no law against calling yourself
that for a personal name if you want to. As Bob says, if you want to
call yourself Dick Smith to cash in on his fame, thats Tricky Dickys
problem, nothing anyone can do to stop you.

BG> That may be rather difficult if you're using the name,
BG> but not flogging foodstuffs of any description.  |-)

Dunno, it would be interesting to try.

BG> It's a bit like possibly offensive number plates though, with certain
BG> alpha combinations skipped in production. Back in the late '70s, I
BG> recall with glee that FUC and FUK were not issued by the NSW MRD.

RS> Thats a bit different, they have to make those.

BG> True, but what's so offensive about either of those prefixes?

Sure, I'm not saying it makes sense, just that its a different situation,
got nothing to do with the law on personal names. For example they can
restrict the use of a particular batch of prefixes for the cops if they
want to.

RS> You dont even have to change your name by deed poll if you dont
RS> want to. There are still some pretty stringent laws on some stuff
RS> tho, particularly military rank and that one that Rot brought up
RS> is even better, calling yourself Sir Bill Grimsley will likely end
RS> up with your guts used in the Order of the Garter quick smart |-)

BG> I'd like to check the law on that, but every time I ask to check
BG> a specific law, they immediately assume I'm preparing to break it!

Funny that.

--- PQWK202