I know I should be asking a game attourney this question, but ya'll have definitely proven yourselves a much smarter bunch than a game attourney. Anyways, my tech partner and I have thought of the official concept that were in the planning stages of making a game out of. Its gonna be a game about combat helicopters. But my question is, can we use real combat helicopters in our game and refer to them by they're actual names? Any help or comments are much appreciated.

1. as always, if you want definitive legal advice you must to speak to a qualified legal professional. This post is based on my unqualified legal knowledge (i.e. it might be wrong).

2. the names of the helicopters, the name of their manufacturer, and any logos/livery are trade marks - you need permission to use someone elses trademark in something you publish.

3. often, even if your in game model 'looks' too much like a real product you'll have legal issues (can be considered "passing off", and harming their brand). You need permission to use the likeness in something you publish.

4. from http://www.boeing.com/faqs.html:
"Boeing Name and Logo: Use of the Boeing signature, Boeing trademarks and trade names, and other elements of the Boeing corporate identity must be approved in writing by the Boeing Brand Management organization."

5. from http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/site_terms.html#trademarks:
"Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, McDonnell, Douglas, North American Aviation, their distinctive airplane liveries, logos and product markings, and the products and services described in this Site (except those belonging to Boeing suppliers or licensors), are among the trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks owned by Boeing, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Boeing."

Doub wrote:
>But my question is, can we use real combat helicopters in our game and refer to them by they're [sic] actual names?

That's Frequently Asked Question #61.2¼ - http://www.sloperama.com/advice/faq61.htm.