Opinions please - Marketing figures named after historic famous/infamous people

[pops]

Can a person market pulp/fantasy/wargames  figures using names of real people if people are infamous/famous and dead for many years, and mentioned ad infinite in books and film?

For example I would imagine no one would have a problem if I had a figures I was marketing of Ghengis Khan, but would the same be true of Winston Churchill or Harry Trumman or Al Capone?

Any input would be greatly appreciated - especially if it is the real legal take on it and not just an general opinion.

Thanks,

Frank

[grant]

Many companies already do - so you’re good to go.

[Cubs]

Historical figures are fair game, you're good to go. Unless someone has copyrighted their name, like a few pop stars do.

[Antonio J Carrasco]

Check with a lawyer firm in your country. Each country has its own laws, so what is legal in one place it is not in other.

[FramFramson]

Historical figures are fair game, you're good to go. Unless someone has copyrighted their name, like a few pop stars do.

Antonio is correct to suggest you should check just to be sure, but generally speaking Cubs is right. Public figures are almost by definition in the public domain.

[pops]

Thanks for the replies gents.