Historical Fictionistas discussion

After I finished my book on a young reporter who goes through a series of adventures in 1916 with Pancho Villa, DW Griffith and the Gish sisters, a WW1 pilot and Influenza, I found out that Lillian Gish's name is owned by CMG. In the book, I have several old photos-circa 1918- of her, plus made up dialog.
They said they'd respond within 6 weeks.
I guess I have to wait, huh?

It’s a good idea to wait; companies that claim such rights vary widely in the assiduousness of their pursuit of those who use copyrighted names. Most are pretty cool about anything that isn’t scurrilous; but never, ever use anything to which Disney claims rights! They will hound you to the gates of hell and beyond.

change the name and blurr the pics.

they can bankrupt you... You do not have their resources and even if you beat the rap the ride will kill you...

Six weeks is a time worth waiting, Tony. I don't think you should change the name. It's a historical person. They will probably grant you the permission. There are biographies of this lady, some of them recent. If they don't answer, or if they say no, I wouldn't give up. I would try to get in touch with her family and, needless to say, consult a good lawyer.
You spent much energy in this book, don't give up.
It's very weird a studio having the rights over the name of a public person. She wasn't Mickey Mouse...
Ops... Will they sue me for mentioning the mouse's name here?

CMG is an agency that represents celebrities, 300 of them, from Bette Davis to Jimmy Stewart. I don't know if the families are even involved.

You will know if you ask the family... There is no penalty for asking... But, again, this is a resource to be used only when you are put against the wall. If the situation puts you at a dead end. I hope you don't have to go that far but, if needed... Don't give the story you worked hard to tell. Good luck and, please, keep us posted. I want to learn from this curious situation.
Best luck to you!

Pedro wrote: "You will know if you ask the family... There is no penalty for asking... But, again, this is a resource to be used only when you are put against the wall. If the situation puts you at a dead end. I..."

the family lost ownership years ago..